FAQs

College Transitions

What is College Transitions?
We are defining Maine College Transitions Programs as comprehensive, integrated or sequential programs of study leading to enrollment in a post secondary institution. MCTP are offered through local adult education programs.
What is involved in a comprehensive program of study?
  1. Assessment
  2. Career planning
  3. Academic coursework
  4. College experience
  5. Tracking and follow up
Are all Maine College Transitions programs the same?
No. Each program has certain characteristics that are the same. Two models are:

  • Cohort model, all students enter the program at the same time and continue to work together through the program. Usually this type of program is semester based. Schedules may be one full day per week or two evenings per week or possibly two morning or afternoon sessions.
  • Menu of services. Classes and services are offered at a variety of times and locations. Students work with the adult college transitions counselor to plan their schedules and complete course requirements.
Can someone just enroll in a college preparation class? Algebra or writing for example?
Yes. Many adult education programs offer college preparation classes as part of their regular offerings. A student enrolled in one of these classes is NOT considered a Maine College Transitions Program student for purposes of the grant. The student would be considered an adult transitions student for subsidy or AEFLA reporting purposes.

Finding courses

How do I search for courses?
You may use the search box located in the top right hand corner of every page on the site to search for courses.

You may also click on the “Courses” button in the top menu of every page to browse and search for courses.

Where are classes held?

Where are you located?

Unless otherwise noted, classes are held at Massabesic Center for Adult Learning (MCAL) at 84 West Road, Waterboro, ME 04087


Registering for Courses

How do I pay for my classes?

Register online:
Most courses are available for online registration. For those payments, we accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and PayPal.

Register by mail:
If you register by mail, you may pay by personal check, money order, or by providing your credit card info on the necessary registration form.

Register by phone:
If you register by phone for a fee based course, we can accept a debit/credit card only.

Register in person:
If you register in person at our program location, you may pay by personal check, credit card, money order, or cash.

How will I know if a class is full?
If you have mailed in your registration for a class which was already full, you will be contacted and given the option to be placed on the waiting list for that class.

If you register in person, you’ll know immediately the status of the class.

If you search for courses online, you will know because the web page will say “Course full” and give you the option of subscribing to the waiting list.

What If I am placed on a waiting list - do I show up on the first night of class?
If you are on a waiting list, you will be contacted if a space becomes available. Please do not go to the class unless you have been called. The teacher will have to send you to our office in order to check your wait list status if you just show up for class. All waiting lists are handled on a “first come – first serve” basis and each class is filled in the order people were placed on the waiting list.
Can I register over the telephone?
Yes. We accept call-in registrations for most classes. Please be prepared to provide a debit/credit card for any fee based course.
How much does the HiSET cost?
HiSET preparation and official testing is available at no cost to you. To learn more about beginning the process of earning a HiSET diploma, call us at 247-2022 to schedule an appointment with our student advisor, Martha Gagnon.
I'm still in High School. Can I attend classes?
High school students may participate in adult education classes for credit recovery courses that are recommended by their guidance counselor or principal/assistant principal. Otherwise, anyone 17 years or older not attending day school may attend.
Can I register online?
Yes, we accept online registrations using all major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express) or PayPal accounts.

Payments made online are processed through PayPal, one of the world’s largest merchant card service providers. You may know PayPal as a popular way to pay for goods and services at websites such as eBay, but PayPal also has a stellar international repuation as a card services provider, with an outstanding record of protecting against fraud and ensuring the latest in security.

To learn more about PayPal’s record of safety and security, please visit the PayPal Security Center.

How do I register for classes?
Online registration is now available!

You can register online or at our office. Course fees, lab fees and material fees must be paid at the time of registration. Book fees must be paid before class begins. You may also register by mail. Registration forms are included in our printed catalog and a printable form is available here on our website. Click Here to Download PDF.

A check or money order with all costs covered must accompany the form.

We accept registrations by telephone, fax and online for most courses and accept all major credit cards.

Do I have to live in your program's town to take adult education classes?
You do not have to live in one of the MSAD #57 district towns to enroll in our adult and community education classes. The district towns are Alfred, Limerick, Lyman, Newfield, Shapleigh, and Waterboro. The cost listed is for both residents and non-residents.
Does Massabesic Center for Adult Learning offer any kind of payment plan?
MCAL does not offer payment plans. You can apply for up to a $50 waiver for workforce training courses. These waivers are income based and must be approved by the director.

How do I become an instructor?

We have a page with information on becoming an instructor and proposing classes. Click here to learn more.