The Pathways

Frequently Asked Questions

The courses included in each Pathway are not any different from traditional Early College offerings and students apply for each course in just the same way (on ExplorEC). However, we have created a specific sequence of courses that allows students to take classes that both allow them to sample content from programs and majors that they are interested in AND accrue credits that will meaningful impact their time and savings once they are actually in college.

At UMF, we encourage our Early College students and their school counselors to keep Credits with a Purpose in mind as they select courses. This means students take courses that will help them once they’re in college, whether it’s completing general education requirements, starting on introductory courses for a particular major, or fulfilling some other post-secondary requirement. Pathways helps take the guess work out of the equation by laying out a path of 4 to 5 courses that both gives students a sense of what a particular program, major, or career is like while also allowing them to cross some general education courses off their list.

There are an innumerable amount of benefits, but let’s focus on our top three:

  1. You get to focus on content you care about and is relevant to your future plans. You get a chance to “test drive” a potential major or career field without the pressure of hoping you got it right. Of course, we hope you love every minute of your coursework, but there is also value in finding out what doesn’t work for you as much as what does.
  2. One completed Pathway is equal to (at least) one semester of college. This saves you both time and money, leaving space for other opportunities and adventures while you’re in college. You are also not limited to just Pathway courses. You are certainly able to take on other Early College course work, both with UMF and other institutions, while you’re enrolled in the Pathways program.
  3. Students who successfully complete a pathway (a B average or better) will be formally recognized in the following ways:
  • A letter from Admissions regarding guaranteed admission to UMF
  • Fee waived for Summer Experience, should you choose to come to UMF
  • An invitation to a social with other Pathways students at orientation, should you choose to come to UMF
  • An invitation to participate in an achievement ceremony at the end of the academic year
  • A certificate of completion from the division chair or academic dean of the pathway you complete
  • An honor cord to wear at your high school graduation
  • A UMF hat, shirt, or sweatshirt of your choice

All Pathways courses are covered by Early College funding. This mean the tuition cost is covered, but there may be fees associated with some courses (such as lab fees) and the cost of textbooks. If a course is in some way cost prohibitive, please reach out to UMF’s Early College Director, Kirsten Petroska at kirsten.petroska@maine.edu

All the courses listed in each Pathway are available through UMF, either online or through a concurrent enrollment course at one of our 14 partner schools. If you select a Pathway and find that a course you need is unavailable, we will make alternative arrangements to ensure you can take the course and complete the Pathway. While we would prefer that all your courses come from UMF, all Pathways will except one course from one of the other University of Maine System institutions.

Yes! Students may choose to spread there Pathway courses out over 2 or three academic years, allowing them space to take additional courses, either from UMF or from other institutions.

The time commitment depends on when you start your Pathway journey and how you take your courses. If someone is a second semester Junior or a Senior and just starting out, expect to be busy as you’ll be balancing multiple college courses while also completing high school coursework. However, students who start earlier in their high school career are able to space courses out, significantly cutting back on their time commitment. Regardless of which path a student chooses, participating in any Early College course will require time, diligence, and a hard work.

Sound Good? Ready to start your journey?

Apply to the UMF Pathways Program

Hear From Those Who Have Walked Before You

Student with a baby goat“I now attend the University of Maine in Farmington where I’m earning a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a concentration in Mathematics and a minor in Special Education.

I’m also in enrolled in UMF’s 4+1 program where I’m working toward a Master’s degree in Special Education.

I came into college with more than a semester’s worth of Early College credits, which helped create room in my schedule to be able to have both a minor and a concentration and be a part of the 4+1 program.”

— Brittney Church

Student near a bay“I’ve been having a good time with Early College so far, I’ve particularly enjoyed the learning and atmosphere.

The UMF Computer Science course I took was great — it covered exactly what I was interested to help me get started in the world of coding. I’m glad for the opportunity!”

— Evan T.

Student at a ski area “I’ve taken part in three UMF Early College classes. It’s a wonderful opportunity and I’m grateful to have a few college credits under my belt.

I participated in a Bio II course, Physics, and an English course. They fit easily into my schedule and were definitely worth the ten minutes it took to sign up.”

— Cameron A.

Have Questions? Contact me.

Kirsten Petroska
Director of Early College Partnerships
Division of Graduate & Continuing Education
University of Maine at Farmington
Theo Kalikow Education Center
186 High Street
Farmington, Maine 04938
tel 207-778-7266
TYY (via Maine Relay Service) dial 711
kirsten.petroska@maine.edu

Mailing address:
Division of Graduate & Continuing Education
University of Maine at Farmington
111 South Street
Farmington, Maine 04938