Admissions and Interview Questions

Q. How do I get information?

You may get information about NESCom® by filling out the information request card on the website, by emailing info@nescom.edu, or by telephone at (207)941-7176 or toll-free at 1-888-877-1876.

Q. How do I schedule an interview and/or tour?


We offer tours through out the year, Monday through Friday as staffing permits. Please call (207)941-7176 or toll-free at 1-888-877-1876 for availability.

Interviews and tours are generally scheduled on Monday through Friday at either 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. though other arrangements may be made by request. In some cases a phone interview maybe scheduled.

Q. What do I need to bring to the interview?


Bring your application for admissions if you have not already applied. You can apply online
prior to your interview or print out an application to complete and bring to your interview.
Two letters of recommendation and high school transcripts are required to complete your file so bring any of these that you may have. 
If you plan to transfer from another college, transcripts, grade reports and a college catalog are useful if you want transfer feedback that day. 
The most important thing you can bring with you is a positive attitude, questions about the college and a willingness to talk about yourself.

Q. How long will the interview take?

The interview and will take between two to two and a half hours and consists of several parts: Interview questions, 12 minute placement test, financial aid overview and a campus tour.
The tour alone takes about an hour to see the communication center and the rest of the campus including dorms.

Q. What kinds of questions will they ask?

The admissions office wants to know more about you — will you fit into our student body and will you be happy on campus. Be prepared to talk about your strengths and weakness, your school activities and clubs, jobs and volunteer work. Also, be prepared to talk about your goals, expectations and concerns.


Q. What is involved with the Placement Test?

The placement test NESCom issues is called the "Wonderlic Scholastic Exam." It is 12 minute long and consists of 50 multiple choice and fill in the blank questions in English and Math. Students are not expected to complete all of the questions and the exam has been designed to allow students to skip questions. The version of the Wonderlic that NESCom® uses has been designed for a communication or fine arts oriented program. Results of the test are used as a placement tool in the admissions decision-making process.

Q. Do I have to have a portfolio?


No, a portfolio is not required for admissions although examples of work, particularly communication or media oriented work may be useful in establishing a student's performance background and creative skills.


Q. Who should I get letters of recommendation from?

It is up to each individual applicant to determine who they feel can write positively and knowledgably about them. Recommended sources include: teacher, guidance counselor, coach, employer, extra curricular activities coordinator, volunteer supervisor, clergy, or someone who working in the communication profession. 
Letters should include contact information (phone number or address.) Letters of recommendation can be accepted by mail, fax and email.



Q. What happens if I can't come for a personal interview, are there other options?


Yes, if it is impossible for an applicant to visit campus, a telephone interview can be arranged. It must be pointed out, however, that an important purpose of the campus visit is to allow the applicant an opportunity to see the campus for themself and to make sure that they will feel comfortable and happy on our campus.

Telephone interview applicants are urged to have prepared questions about the campus, activities, and student life.

Q. Do you accept transfer credits and how are they evaluated?

Yes, NESCom® accepts transfer credits from other accredited institutions as long as they fill the criteria:

• 
they must be similar in course content

•  they must fit the distribution requirements
• 
they must have an earned grade of "C" or higher
• 
they must have earned an equitable number of credit hours, and

•  they must come from an official (signed and stamped) college transcript. 
The Registrar assesses all courses on an individual basis, with evaluation input from Program Directors.

Q. Do I have to take SATs?


No, SATs are not required for admissions and if you choose not to take them, it will not count against you in the decision process.
However, while SATs are not required, we urge you to take them during high school. Why? First, you never know that you may not need them in the future should you ever decide to continue your education at a college that requires them. Second, SATs scores help us get a more complete picture of your academic and test taking skills to help us make a decision. Please include NESCom's college code when registering for the exam.

SAT College Code: 3101


ACT College Code: 1651

Q. Do I have to have a physical exam before starting?


No, a physical exam is not required prior to beginning classes although health information and medical history forms must to completed and filed with the college nurse.

Q. What shots do I need to get into school?

All students born after January 1, 1957 are required by Maine State law to provide documented proof of immunization against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and two innoculations (after 1968 and after you were one year old) and against Tetanus and Diphtheria (from the last ten years). These records might be obtained through your doctor's office or through your high school health records.

Q. What happens if I lost my diploma?


If you have lost your high school diploma, please contact the admissions office to find out about alternative options.

Q. How do you make your admissions decision?


The admission decision is based upon a variety of factors, all of which are taken into consideration. These factors include: evaluation of the high school transcript (courses, grades, class rank, attendance record, extra curricular activities....), letters of recommendation, placement test scores, examination of any supporting examples of work, and the interview.

Q. Is there anything I can do to increase my chances of admittance?

Apply early with a neat and legible application and all requested application materials, take challenging courses in high school, provide a good attendance record, get letters of recommendation from people who know you well, especially if they work in the media or communication profession, provide supporting work examples, read college materials in advance, and take the application interview seriously.

The application interview is the opportunity for the admissions office to get to know the applicant. Treat the interview as seriously as the admissions office does. Show up on time, be prepared with questions, be prepared to talk about goals and expectations as well as strengths and weaknesses. The interview is the student's opportunity to sell themselves, especially if there are concerns about other issues in the application process. The admissions office wants to make sure that you will be a good fit on campus. But remember the interview is your opportunity to make sure the college fits you.

Q. How long does it take to find out if I am accepted?


Application decisions are made on a rolling admissions basis. This means that as soon as the student's file is complete a decision is generally made within one to two weeks. The student is notified as soon as the decision is made.

Q. What is Orientation?

Orientation is the program that students take prior to starting their classes in the fall. During Orientation, students are introduced to the campus and resources, to the people that they will be working with, to campus life, and to the policies of the college. It is also a great opportunity to meet classmates and faculty through a casual, social filled program. Two orientation events are scheduled, a one day summer presentation in July and a 2 day event held on the weekend directly before classes begin monday. For Sping starts, orientation is held the monday before classes begin.