Wait List FAQ

Each year, the number of qualified applicants to Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) far exceeds the enrollment capacity of the incoming class. As a result, the admission process at MMA is selective, and class spaces are awarded on a competitive basis. In cases where students who have been admitted choose not to enroll, spaces may become available in the first-year class.

With this in mind, MMA maintains a Wait List for those candidates who meet admission criteria and show potential to become successful students. MMA will draw students from the Wait List to fill vacancies in a particular academic program or the incoming class.

 

Is the Wait List ranked?

No.  The Wait List is not numbered or ranked. If we go to the Wait List, we shall go first to the candidates who have communicated their desire to attend MMA. This is why it is important to return the Wait List Response Form as soon as possible. We will review all of the applications of those candidates who have reserved a place on the Wait List to select the most qualified candidates and determine the order in which we will offer admission. Our selections will be made in an attempt to round out the class with regard to the academic achievements, personal talents, and qualities we have reviewed.

 

If a major is full, can I switch majors to gain entry, but switch back to the original major later?

MMA cannot guarantee the ability to initiate a change of major upon enrollment. Wait List candidates are strongly discouraged from attempting to switch their application major in an effort to gain outright admission to the incoming class with the intent to change back to their original major once on-campus. This is typically not possible due to capacity limits of our specialized facilities (simulators, labs, training vessels).

 

How long will I be on the Wait List?

All candidates who remain on the Wait List once the incoming class is full will be notified by letter no later than July 1. Wait List students will not be considered for enrollment during the Spring semester.

Circumstances which create openings (students who decide not to return, students who cancel admission, etc.) are beyond our control. The candidates who are offered admission will be notified as soon as possible; we anticipate that most candidates accepted off the Wait List (if any) will be notified between May 15 and June 15.

 

Once informed of Wait List status, what happens next?

If offered a position on the Wait List and you still want to remain in consideration, please complete the reply form on your Admissions portal or call MMA Admissions at (207)326-2206 by April 30^th. We will keep only those candidates who ACCEPT the offer to remain on the Wait List.

Once a candidate indicates their preference, they will receive confirmation from the Office of Admissions. This will be provided via email within approximately 7-10 calendar days. Admissions can be reached at (207)326-2207 or admissions@mma.edu. We respectfully request candidates to inform MMA if they have made a final decision to attend another college.

 

How does MMA notify me of my acceptance off the Wait List?

MMA will attempt to phone all candidates who are to be accepted off the Wait List; if a candidate is still interested in enrolling, we will send an acceptance packet.

 

Is there anything I can do to increase my chances of being admitted?

Not really. Since we will be carefully monitoring each candidate’s academic performance, the most positive thing that can be done is to work hard and do the absolute best in school.

 

How many students will eventually be accepted off the Wait List this year?

This is hard to predict. The last time we employed a Wait List, we accepted 6 off the Wait List.

 

Can I choose the semester I would like to enroll?

No.  Candidates offered a place on the Wait List will not have the option to select the semester for which they would be admitted.  Candidates offered admission off of the Wait List will be for the upcoming Fall semester only.

 

Should Wait List candidate deposit at another college?

Yes.  If required by the institution of choice, candidates should send a deposit to another college or university to secure a space in case MMA is unable to offer admission. If a candidate is accepted off our Wait List, they will be asked to pay a $250 non-refundable deposit to MMA within one week of admission.  At that time, the candidate should also notify the institution at which they have deposited that their intentions have changed, as the college also may have candidates on a wait list.

 

Will there be any financial aid for students accepted off the Wait List?

Yes. If admitted, candidates who have completed the financial aid application process will receive an Estimated Award Letter.

 

If accepted, will housing be available?

We expect to house all first-year students on campus, as our housing policy requires. Assignments to first-choice roommates may not be possible with limited space.