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What can I learn out there that makes it different from classes on campus?
First of all, you are surrounded by the ocean - you can't get away from it. You will eat, sleep, and breathe marine life. You will take one course at a time, so all your energy will be focused on that class. You have very close contact with all of your professors. Past students have found that labs themselves are different. At SML, students typically design their own lab experiments or work fairly independently. See photo gallery.
Where can I get an application?
Online Application
The priority application deadline for credit courses and the deadline for financial aid is February 15, 2008. The deadline for internship applications is February 15, 2008. If there is space available after February 15, the final deadline for all applications will be May 1, 2008.
What will it cost?
Course costs and other expenses are now online. Fees for the courses are all inclusive covering: tuition, room and board, all required field trips, and transportation between Portsmouth, NH and Appledore Island. Other expenses not included are: texts (usually not required), souvenirs, round-trip excursions to the mainland, or optional field trips. However, keep in mind that there is substantial financial aid available — much of it dedicated to UNH students taking courses at SML. SML attempts to provide financial aid to students accepted in credit courses who demonstrate financial need.
How much aid is available?
Although we have limited financial assistance, we try to give some aid to all students who qualify. Since no student receives 100% funding and it is competitive, you should be prepared to pay 20-70% of course costs. A significant portion of the financial aid available is earmarked for UNH students..
What if I’m not eligible for financial aid on campus?
Financial aid at Shoals is separate from regular UNH aid. You may qualify even if you don't qualify for on-campus aid. Some aid is in the form of work/study opportunities on the island. Students do the work portion of their aid package at a separate time from their classes.
All advisors have been given a sheet outlining Shoals courses and how they fit into your curriculum. You can also get this sheet in the display case or in Rudman Hall Rm 165. This outlines where Shoals courses fit into the major requirements for biology and related majors at UNH. If you still have questions, e-mail the Associate Director, Jessica Bolker, Room 216 Rudman at
jbolker@cisunix.unh.edu.
Is it a good idea to go out there if I am a biology major? What if I am not a biology major or I'm undecided?
Yes, in all cases! If you are a biology major, going to the island will help you focus your interests (or open up a whole new array of subjects to be interested in). For students who are a minor or are not sure, the field experience can certainly influence your future plans. Past UNH-SML students have said that their experiences on Appledore helped them determine that marine biology was definitely what they want to do. Remember that SML courses are open to anyone - you do not have to be a Biology major!
Yes, you can. Any UNH student with a GPA of at least 3.2 may designate up to 2 SML courses as "honors". You will need to see the Associate Director in Rm 216 Rudman Hall before leaving for the island.
Can I get a whole semester's worth of credit in one summer out there?
Yes, we call it the "island semester." You may apply for as many non-concurrent courses as you like. By doing this you may earn as many as 16 credits. Some students have found that the island semester credits may have cost them less than an on-campus semester.
Can I get credit towards my Biology Teaching Certification?
Yes, but it is up to your department to accept the credits. In the past, we have had a number of UNH students receive credits toward biology teaching certificates in a variety of SML courses.
Are there UNH students I can ask about the program?
Yes! There are UNH Shoals Alumni who would be glad to tell you about the island and their experiences there. Talk to the Shoals Associate Director, Jessica Bolker, in her office Room 216 Rudman Hall for contact information.
Do I have to call the Shoals office in Ithaca and pay for a long-distance call to get my questions answered?
No, again you can talk to the Shoals Associate Director in Rm 216 Rudman Hall (862-0071, jbolker@cisunix.unh.edu) or you may e-mail the Ithaca office at shoals-lab@cornell.edu.
How do I get there?
Students meet at the ISSCO (Isle of Shoals Steamship Co.) in Portsmouth, NH at a designated time and are then transported to the island aboard one of the Lab's research vessels.
Do I have to be SCUBA-certified to take Under Water Research?
Yes. you must have a recognized SCUBA certification. You must also have your own equipment. The island does not have extra equipment to lend out. You can contact Christine Bogdanowicz at the Cornell Office at 607-255-3851 or at ccb5@cornell.edu regarding SCUBA.
Can I get SCUBA-certification out there?
Sorry, we don't offer SCUBA certification courses on the island. The Kinesiology Department offers an on-campus course, KIN 533.
I need a letter of recommendation...my teachers don't know me and I just transferred to UNH. Whom should I ask?
It is acceptable to ask a professor from your previous school or even a TA or grad student whom you may have gotten to know from one of your classes here.
How do I petition to get credit for those courses that have Cornell course numbers only?
You need to go to the Registrars office and fill out a "Credit Prior Approval" form. SML courses without UNH course numbers are treated as any other course that you might take outside UNH.
I'm a graduate student and I'd like to take a course at SML. Can I get credit towards my degree?
Grad students may take courses as well. Most previous SML grad students have taken the more advanced courses, or have been a TA for courses. Grad students interested in taking courses should follow the same application procedures and request financial aid just like undergrads. For those interested in TA opportunities, current openings and application information are online.
How can I reach home?
Most personal cell phones work fine on the island, and there is internet and email access. (The main office has a ship-to-shore line; however, this is unavailable for student use except in emergencies.) Refer to your acceptance packet for information on incoming phone calls and the island address. If a lack of communication with parents is a problem, leave them with this in mind - "no news is good news."
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