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You have done your research and explored your options, and you know that UMD is the perfect place for you. Now it is time to apply.

Application deadline Nov. 1st for early decision / Regular Deadline Jan. 20th

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Graduate Application Process

How to apply.

Applicants must submit all necessary documents by the posted deadline in order to be reviewed for admission. International applicants should review the International Applicant information for additional requirements.

Please read through the information below about the process and deadlines. The University of Maryland admissions team is here to help you through the application process. You may wish to first refer to our  graduate programs' frequently asked questions  and you may email  [email protected]  if you have a question not addressed there. 

Applicants must submit complete and verified applications by the posted deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission.

Spring, Summer, and Fall 2024 admissions:

The SOPHAS application system will launch on August 17, 2023.  

The TerpEngage application system will launch in the first week of July.

*MPH Behavioral and Community Health (online) accept international students, but the program is not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance by the University of Maryland.

** MPH Behavioral and Community Health (online), MPH Public Health Practice and Policy (online), and Master in Health Administration (online) have limited on-campus attendance and are not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance by the University of Maryland.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Global Health has rolling admissions.

* The MPH in Physical Activity and Certificate programs are not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance by the University of Maryland.

* MPH Programs: Behavioral and Community Health; Behavioral and Community Health (online); Biostatistics; Epidemiology; Environmental Health Sciences; Health Equity; Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation; Public Health Practice and Policy (online); MS, Environmental Health Sciences.

⁺MPH Behavioral and Community Health (online), MPH Public Health Practice and Policy (online) and Master in Health and Administration (online) programs are not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance by the University of Maryland.

Application Requirements

SPH graduate programs may have requirements in addition to those listed below. So, please check the Program-Specific Requirements section before starting your application. 

- You may apply to only one UMD SPH program per application cycle. All application requirements and documentation must be submitted electronically to the proper application system(s) SOPHAS and/or UMD Application Portal (TerpEngage).

- The GRE is  waived or optional  for all of the MPH, MHA, MA and MS degree programs. The GRE is  waived or optional  for most of our PhD programs, except the PhD in Epidemiology and PhD in Health Services Research. 

Based on your selected program, you will apply through one of the two application processes below.  SOPHAS + UMD Supplemental application programs  require that you submit two applications and  UMD TerpEngage programs  require that you submit one application. 

Programs that require SOPHAS + UMD supplemental application

• Master of Health Administration(online)
• Behavioral and Community Health (MPH online, MPH on-campus, PhD)
• Biostatistics (MPH)
• Environmental Health Sciences (MPH, MS and PhD)
• Epidemiology (MPH and PhD)
• Health Care Management (MPH)
• Health Equity (MPH)
• Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation (MPH)
• Health Services Research (PhD)
• Maternal and Child Health (PhD)
• Physical Activity (MPH online)
• Public Health Practice and Policy (MPH online)

You will create a SOPHAS application , follow their instructions to apply, and submit it along with the related application fee (check the  instructional video ).

All applicants to the programs above must also complete and submit the UMD Graduate School supplemental application , which requires demographic information, an unofficial copy of your transcripts, and a copy of your SOPHAS statement of purpose.

Note: After you submit your SOPHAS application, it will go through several phases, including submission, completion, and verification. Complete SOPHAS applications are submitted to a ve rification process that can take up to four workweeks; therefore, we recommend starting and submitting the SOPHAS application early, preferably weeks before the deadline you aim to meet.

Visit and bookmark the SOPHAS Frequently Asked Questions for information about the application and helpful tips.

Programs that require only the UMD TerpEngage application

• Couple and Family Therapy (MS)
• Community Planning and Public Health (MCP+MPH)
• Kinesiology (MA and PhD),
• Family Science (PhD)
• Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (PhD)
• Applied Epidemiology (Certificate)
• Global Health (Certificate)
• Health Data Analysis (Certificate)

The programs above have just the UMD TerpEngage application (they are not in SOPHAS). After you pay the application fee ($75) and submit your TerpEngage application, you can log into the application portal to check the status of your application. Please check program-specific requirements and the Graduate School step-by-step guide to applying .

Completed applications are reviewed by a faculty admissions committee in the respective program, and the recommendations of the committee are submitted to the dean of the Graduate School. Decisions are based on a holistic review of the applicant’s materials, including but not limited to previous academic records, personal statement, previous experience, letters of recommendation, and other elements. The dean of the Graduate School makes the final admission decision, and all students seeking to complete graduate work at the University of Maryland for degree purposes must be formally admitted to the Graduate School by the dean. Submitting a complete, qualifying application does not guarantee admission . The number of applications received from individuals qualified for graduate study in SPH programs regularly exceeds the number of applicants who can be accommodated. Spaces available in the various programs are limited according to the availability of faculty, class and program size, and other program priorities. In such cases, only the most highly qualified students are admitted.

Students seeking admission to the graduate programs at UMD School of Public Health must have already earned or be in the process of earning a 4-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

There are no specific undergraduate prerequisites for master's degree applicants, though experience working, volunteering, or researching topics related to public health are valued in the review process.

PhD programs may have additional requirements for graduate training that will be listed in the program-specific requirements section.

SOPHAS application

• Send official transcripts for ALL colleges and universities attended , whether or not credit was earned or the program was completed . These transcripts go directly to SOPHAS. Learn how to send your official transcripts to SOPHAS .
• Send a  World Education Services (WES), Inc  course-by-course transcript evaluation for all international academic credentials.

UMD TerpEngage Application and UMD Supplemental application

• Upload a PDF copy of your undergraduate degree transcript (the transcript that indicates the degree awarded) in the original language it was issued, accompanied by a literal English translation if applicable. 
• Copy of diploma/degree received listing the date it was obtained if this information is not on your transcript. If your diploma is not in English, please also submit a diploma translated into English. 
• Unofficial copies of your transcripts will suffice for the UMD Terpengage or UMD Supplemental application.  If you are accepted into the program, you will need to submit official transcripts to the UMD Graduate School (even if you submitted official transcripts to SOPHAS) .

You will be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores if you do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution or from one of the English-speaking countries listed on the University of Maryland Graduate School website. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with international credentials, you will still be required to submit English test scores if you do not hold a degree from one of the countries on the list . Please visit the University of Maryland Graduate School website to check test scores requirements and the list of exemptions and test scores submission instructions on the SOPHAS website . 

• SOPHAS programs: SOPHAS code 5688 and UMD Graduate School  code 5814
• UMD Application only programs:  UMD Graduate School  code 5814
• SOPHAS programs: a) Self-report your IELTS scores in the  Standardized Tests  section of the SOPHAS application and include your TRF number. This must be listed for your official scores to be matched to your application b)  submit official scores to the UMD Graduate School electronic accounts listed on the Graduate School Website
• UMD Application only programs:  submit official scores to the UMD Graduate School electronic accounts listed on the Graduate School Website
• SOPHAS programs: please list the test scores in the proper section and upload a PDF copy of the official results in the “Optional documents - Standardized Test Score Reports” section and submit official scores to the UMD Graduate School electronic accounts listed on the Graduate School Website

The three letters of recommendation(LOR) are submitted by the recommenders themselves. In the recommendation section in SOPHAS or in TerpEngage, you will enter the name and email address of each recommender and send them an invitation. Recommenders will then receive an automated invitation to complete the recommendation. Please note that if you are applying to a SOPHAS program, recommendations will be uploaded only to the SOPHAS application.

Upload a PDF copy of your current resume or curriculum vitae.

Your statement of purpose (SOP) should be approximately 2 double-spaced pages. Your statement should address your:

• Personal, academic and professional background that led you to public health
• Interest in the specific department and degree/concentration you are applying to
• Public health topics of interest
• How this degree will help you to achieve your long-term career goals 

If you are submitting your application to a SOPHAS program, you will be required to submit a second copy of the SOPHAS SOP to your UMD Supplemental application.

International applicants should follow the application process for the program they are applying to and review the requirements and exemptions for international applicants set by the University of Maryland Graduate School . International applicants are also encouraged to explore the International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) office and contact them with related questions. Note that American citizens and permanent residents who have foreign credentials should follow the requirements established for foreign degree holders but can apply by domestic deadlines. 

Note about the Online MPH in Behavioral and Community Health and Online MPH in Physical Activity programs: The University does not issue an I-20 or DC-2019 as these programs are 100% online. International applicants are eligible to apply and must follow the  UMD Graduate School International Admissions instructions.

Note about the Online MHA, the Online MPH Public Health Practice and Policy : International applicants requiring an I-20 are not eligible to apply as these mostly online programs have a mandatory face-to-face element. Otherwise, international applicants already in the U.S. who are permitted to enroll in such studies must follow the UMD Graduate School International Admissions instructions.

• You must upload a WES course-by-course US equivalency report in your SOPHAS application. The WES report must be uploaded to your application by the application deadline for the application to be considered complete. Do not send foreign transcripts to SOPHAS or the UMD School of Public Health, including those printed in English or translated into English; they will be discarded. 
• Do not send WES reports to the UMD School of Public Health of the UMD Graduate School; they will be discarded. 
• Read through the international application transcripts section in SOPHAS .

UMD TerpEngage and Supplemental Application Residency Questionnaire

• On the Graduate School online application, you should note the type of visa you currently hold or will need to hold to study at the University of Maryland. In addition, you will need to submit copies of any visa or Permanent Resident Card you might possess. Visit the ISSS website to learn more about the student visa process . 
• A transcript/mark sheet in the original language must be uploaded into the online application. If your transcript is not in English, please also upload a transcript/mark sheet translated into English.
• You must upload a copy of your diploma/degree received if this information is not listed on your transcript. If your diploma is not in English, please also submit a diploma translated into English. 
• Translations you submit to the UMD TerpEngage and UMD Supplemental application should be literal, and actual names of all degrees, diplomas, and certificates must appear in the translation. If you are in need of a translation service, a list of English translation companies can be found on this website .

Evidence of English Language Proficiency

You must submit test scores to both SOPHAS and UMD Supplemental applications if you are applying to a program that requires a SOPHAS application.

• To submit TOEFL scores to SOPHAS using the code 5688.
• To submit IELTS you will  self-report your IELTS scores in the  Standardized Tests  section of the SOPHAS application and include your TRF number. This must be listed for your official scores to be matched to your application.
• PTE scores submission to SOPHAS, please list the test scores in the proper section and upload a PDF copy of the official results in the “Optional documents - Standardized Test Score Reports” section.

UMD TerpEngage and UMD Supplemental Application

• To submit  TOEFL scores to the UMD Graduate School, please use the reporting code 5814.
• PTE test takers can send their score reports to the University of Maryland through their Pearson Account
• IELTS test takers should contact their IELTS test center directly to request electronic test scores be sent to the following IELTS e-download account:

University of Maryland - The Graduate School The Graduate School 2123 Lee Building College Park Maryland, 20742

Visit the Graduate School to learn more about the English language proficiency requirements .

Diversity Statement

The School of Public Health is committed to creating an educational and work environment that is rich in diversity, inclusive, and supportive of all students, faculty, and staff.  We understand that a school energized by diverse perspectives and experiences provides a powerful educational benefit and enhances our research and community service. We acknowledge and celebrate diversity in race/ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical and learning abilities, socioeconomic status, national origin, veteran status, and other areas of difference. 

Program-Specific Requirements

Program-specific requirements may include writing samples, pre-requisite courses or degrees, test scores, etc. Our MPH programs require at least one math or statistics undergraduate course.

All links below refer to each program's UMD Graduate Catalog admission requirements.

Master’s Programs

MA, Kinesiology

MPH, Behavioral and Community Health

MPH, Behavioral and Community Health (Online)

MPH, Biostatistics

MPH, Environmental Health Sciences

MPH, Epidemiology

MPH, Health Care Management

MPH, Health Equity

MPH, Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation

MPH, Public Health Practice and Policy (Online)

MPH, Physical Activity (Online)

MHA, Masters of Health Administration (Online)

MS, Couple and Family Therapy

MS, Environmental Health Sciences

MHA + Doctor of Medicine

MPH + Master of Community Planning

Doctoral Programs

PhD, Behavioral and Community Health

PhD, Biostatistics & Bioinformatics

PhD, Environmental Health Sciences

PhD, Epidemiology

PhD, Family Science

PhD, Health Services Research

PhD, Kinesiology

PhD, Maternal and Child Health

Post-Baccalaureate Certificates

Certificate in Applied Epidemiology

Certificate in Global Health

Certificate in Health Data Analysis

SPH Graduate Admissions [email protected]

• Request Info
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Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

A welcome to the University of Maryland Graduate School, from Associate Provost and Dean Stephen Roth:

Your choice of a graduate program should be informed by the career pathways of previous students. PhD applicants can get information about the types of work our recent PhD graduates are doing  here . This report's interactive dashboard uses three common industry and labor classification systems. Select a PhD program in the “field/discipline” drop-down menu in the upper right corner of the “overview” tab to see the proportion of graduates in academia and in tenured/tenure-track faculty positions. Click on one of the “classifications” tabs to see more details about other employer types (industry, government, non-profit) and the categories of positions held by alumni. 

School of Public Health Applicants

• Kinesiology, Couple and Family Therapy, Family Science, Gerontology (certificates), Global Health (certificate) programs please  click here  to apply.
• SOPHAS application : All other programs in the School of Public Health. (Please note: SOPHAS applicants also need to complete a  supplemental application  to the Graduate School.)

All Other Applicants

STEP 1: Complete Online Application

Complete the  online graduate application  through the TerpEngage Graduate Admissions System, and upload a copy of the official transcript for each institution you attended. An official transcript(s) has to be received by the Graduate School upon enrollment. All non-domestic transcripts and diplomas should be in the original language and accompanied by a literal, certified English translation. In addition, an international degree certificate/diploma will be required for international applicants.

View the  Admissions Requirements  for program-specific information, including deadlines and additional materials that must be submitted with your application. It is important that your complete application be submitted by the program deadline.

If you have international credentials or currently hold a visa, please visit the  International Admissions  section for more information.

Note: Once submitted, your application and associated materials become the property of the University of Maryland. These materials will not be returned to you, nor will the materials be forwarded to another institution.

Read the university’s  policy on collecting and using social security numbers .

STEP 2: Identify and Contact References for Letters of Recommendation

While completing other parts of your application, identify and contact references who will provide a strong letter of recommendation for you. Applicants should check with  program requirements  for the exact number of letters required. Recommenders should be the applicant’s current or former professors or other individuals who can speak to an applicant’s academic talents, work ethic, and intellectual strengths. The online application will ask applicants to provide their references' names and email addresses. The references will then be contacted via email with instructions on how to electronically submit a letter of recommendation. This process can begin prior to submitting of the application.

STEP 3: Submit Transcripts

Applicants are asked to upload a scanned version of their transcript(s) issued by each institution attended (in the original language, with literal English translation). Upon enrollment, you will need to have an official copy sent to the Graduate School by the institution. For a full description of the transcript requirements, please go to the FAQ section that describes  Transcripts and Diplomas .

STEP 4: Submit Test Scores

The Graduate School will only accept official test scores sent directly by the testing agencies. When you request scores to be sent to the University of Maryland, College Park uses the following institutional codes:

• GMAT – SQT-N8-78
• TOEFL – 5814
• Praxis – 5814

IELTS/PTE scores can also be sent electronically and by doing this, an institution code is not required. PTE test takers can send their score report to the University through their Pearson account. The University of Maryland downloads IELTS scores that have been transmitted to our e-download account. IELTS test takers should contact their IELTS test center directly to request electronic test scores be sent to the following IELTS e-download account:

University of Maryland - The Graduate School

2123 Lee Building

College Park, MD 20742

Please note: The Graduate School will not accept paper IELTS test report forms.

You will  not be  required to submit TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores if you have or will be awarded a degree from the United States, United Kingdom, Anglophone Africa, Anglophone Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Commonwealth Caribbean prior to enrolling in the University of Maryland. See a  complete list of countries .

You  will be  required to submit TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores if you are a US citizen or permanent resident with international credentials whose native language is not English and who do not hold a degree from an institution in the US or one of the areas listed above. Although they are U.S. citizens, applicants from Puerto Rico with degrees from Puerto Rican institutions will also be required to submit a TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score. 

STEP 5: Pay Application Fee

You will be assessed a non-refundable $75 application processing fee for each program to which you apply. You are responsible for paying this fee whether or not you are offered admission or choose to enroll. You must pay your application fee online. Your application will not be processed until you pay your application fee and the payment is authorized.

STEP 6: See the  After You Apply section

International Students & Scholars

Admitted f-1/j-1 students, getting your i-20 / ds-2019.

Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Maryland, College Park!

VIEW THE NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CHECKLIST

To apply for your nonimmigrant student or scholar (F-1 or J-1) visa, you will need an I-20 or DS-2019 “Certificate of Eligibility” Form from the University of Maryland. When you have gathered your documents, log into UMD’s iTerp system to complete your I-20/DS-2019 checklist.

You should keep in mind that it may take up to two weeks to receive your 1-20/DS-2019 Form once you submit your checklist. You will then need to apply for your U.S. visa.

For the Fall Semester, we recommend submitting your checklist no later than June 1st.

For the Spring Semester, we recommend submitting your checklist no later than November 1st.

Steps for studying with F1/J1 status

• Access iTerp and apply for immigration documents
• Pay 901 Fee
• Apply for your visa
• Attend ISSS pre arrival workshops/webinars to gain knowledge
• Submit arrival confirmation in iTerp  
• Complete F1/J1 immigration video review in iTerp
• Arrive to the US and complete F1/J1 documents check in iTerp
• Attend campus orientation(s)

A scan or photo of your passport photo page

The page includes your photo, date of birth, full name, passport number, issue date and location. Be sure the scan/photo of the page is clear and includes all the information contained on the page, including the machine-readable area.  

If you plan to bring your spouse and/or dependent children, you will need a scan of each of their passport photo pages too. 

Evidence of sufficient funding for an academic year  

Complete your I-20/DS-2019 Checklist

After you click "Submit" on your I-20/DS-2019 checklist in iTerp, iTerp notifies us that it is ready for review. Depending on the time of year, the ISSS office may be reviewing upwards of 200 applications per day. During this busy time, it may take up to two weeks to generate an I-20/DS-2019 when there are no issues with your application.

Once we review your checklist, it will take one of two paths:

• If there is an issue, we will mark that part of your checklist "Draft." You will receive an email explaining what you need to address. Once you have made the corrections, you will resubmit.
• If there are no issues, iTerp forwards your I-20/DS-2019 checklist to the U.S. government for processing. Processing can take at least 24 hours. Once your I-20/DS-2019 Form is available, we will be able to review, sign and distribute your I-20/DS-2019 Form.  

Once we generate your immigration form, we will send you an email. Students receiving an I-20/DS-2019 will receive the document attached to the email. 

If you are unable to locate your I-20 please ensure that you have gained access to your UMD email address as it may have been sent there, instructions here .

If you are applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must pay the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee . You will need the information listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 Form to complete payment. You should only pay the SEVIS fee once and apply for your visa with the I-20/DS-2019 of the school you plan to attend.

We recommend you pay the fee at least three business days before your scheduled visa interview as you will need to present the receipt to the consular officer. You can pay with a credit card or by Western Union Quick Pay using Form I-901. Be sure to print the electronic receipt immediately upon payment. F-1 students pay $350 while J-1 Exchange Visitors pay $220. The fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is denied.  Spouses and dependent children are not required to pay the fee.  

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Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Get Into University of Maryland: Admissions Stats + Tips

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What’s Covered:

How hard is it to get into university of maryland, average academic profile of accepted university of maryland students, what is the university of maryland looking for, how to improve your chances of getting into the university of maryland .

The University of Maryland is a public research university in College Park, Maryland. Founded in 1856, it is the largest university in the state as well as in the Washington metropolitan area, with more than 40,700 students and 12 schools and colleges. A leader in research, entrepreneurship, and innovation, UMD is known for its abundance of research opportunities for undergraduates. First year students have the chance to join the FIRE program, a faculty-mentored research experience that helps drive student research, develops career readiness, and equalizes opportunity. 

For the 2019–2020 admissions cycle, the University of Maryland received 32,211 applicants, of which 16,437 were accepted. This means that last year, UMD’s acceptance rate was 51% , making it an unselective school. UMD does not have a binding early decision application option, but it does have a non-binding early action option .  

Want to get a better idea of your personal chances of admission into the University of Maryland? Our free chancing calculator can help you better understand your chances of acceptance into any college. By taking into account multiple elements of your profile, including your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and more, we’ll estimate your odds of acceptance, and give you tips on improving your profile! 

The average high school GPA of UMD’s Class of 2024 was 4.36. 93.6% had a GPA of 4.0 . 1.4% had a GPA below 3.0.  

Of the 40% of UMD’s class of 2024 who submitted class rank, 73% graduated in the top 10% of their high school class, and 89% graduated in the top 25%. 98% graduated in the top half. 

While standardized test scores are normally required for applicants, University of Maryland is test-optional for students applying for the Spring or Fall semesters of 2022 and 2023. Of the students who enrolled in Fall 2020, the top 25% of students scored above a 1460 on the SAT , with the average student scoring 1375. For the students who submitted ACT scores, the top 25% scored a bove a 34, with the average student scoring a 32 . 

University of Maryland uses a holistic process to evaluate applications. The school’s thorough review process considers 26 factors , including progression of performance, socio-economic background, written expression of ideas, learning differences, and many more. 

If you are considering applying to UMD, it will be useful to know that some majors are Limited Enrollment Majors : majors with limited space which are more competitive. UMD will ask you to list your preferred majors in your application. However, UMD is major-blind; you will be reviewed for admissibility to the university and then, if needed, for admission to their major of choice. 

How the University of Maryland Evaluates Applications

According to their 2020-2021 Common Data Set, the University of Maryland considers the following factors “very important” :

• Course rigor
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores

These factors are “important” :

• Application essay
• Recommendation letters
• Talent/ability
• First generation
• State residency 

These are “considered” :

• Extracurricular activities
• Character/personal qualities
• Alumni/ae relation
• Geographical residence
• Racial/ethnic status
• Volunteer work
• Work experience 

And these are “not considered” :

• Religious affiliation/commitment
• Level of applicant’s interest 

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

1. Aim for all A’s while taking the most challenging classes available

As the average GPA of enrolled UMD students last year was a 4.36, in order to be a competitive candidate, you should aim to get all A’s. Though a 4.36 GPA may be intimidating, many of these students are likely taking advanced honors, AP, or IB classes, which gives them a weighted GPA. To show that you have challenged yourself, try to take honors, AP, or IB classes. 

If your GPA is lower, and you’re still a freshman or sophomore in your high school, check out our tips for increasing your GPA . If you’re a junior or senior, it will be harder to increase your GPA, so the easiest way to increase your Academic Index is to get a higher test score.

2. Report your SAT scores if above 1460, and ACT if above 34

While standardized test scores are optional for students applying for 2022 and 2023 enrollment, University of Maryland will still consider your test scores if you submit them. For the next two years, students who do not submit test scores will not be at a disadvantage from those who do. That being said, a high standardized test score is a valuable way to display your academic aptitude in addition to your transcript. If you do take the SAT or ACT and score in the 75th percentile of UMD students, which is a 1460 on the SAT or a 34 on the ACT, reporting your scores will likely give you a boost.

To improve your SAT/ACT score, check out these free CollegeVine resources:

• How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
• How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
• More SAT Info and Tips
• More ACT Info and Tips

3. Highlight your academic talents and abilities and out-of-classroom achievements  

The University of Maryland has a history of fostering trailblazers, and today is still a national research powerhouse. While UMD will want to see your extracurricular activities, it is most prominently interested in accomplishments that demonstrate particular academic talents and abilities, and how you have applied your skills outside of the classroom. If you are a senior, highlight any awards or recognition you’ve earned, research you’ve done alongside a high school teacher or family member, as well as any notable leadership positions. If you’re a junior, sophomore, or freshman, continue working on pursuing any intellectual interests you have, and aim to win local or regional awards or recognition.  

4. Ask the right teachers for recommendation letters

UMD requires two letters of recommendation: one from a teacher, and one letter from a school counselor. Letters of recommendation should come from teachers who know you the best and who can speak positively of your character and abilities. Your letters of recommendation will show admissions officers what kind of student and peer you are. Take some time to think about which teacher will write you the most promising recommendation letter, and take a look at tips from CollegeVine to help guide you through the process. 

5. Apply early action 

Though the University of Maryland doesn’t have early decision, it encourages students to apply early action. Students who apply by the early action November 1 deadline receive priority consideration for admission, merit-based scholarships, and special programs. Since your application won’t be binding, applying early action is a great way to get your foot in the door early. 

How to Apply to the University of Maryland 

Planning on applying to UMD? Here are some dates to keep in mind for the 2021–2022 application cycle for first-year students applying for fall enrollment. 

Application Requirements

The University of Maryland accepts applications through the Common Application and the Coalition Application. To apply, you will need the following materials:

• All parts of your Common or Coalition Application, including the essay and non-refundable application fee (option to request fee waiver) 
• Official high school transcript
• Two letters of recommendation (one from a counselor and one from a teacher) 
• SAT or ACT scores (optional for 2022 and 2023 enrollment)
• Extracurricular activities list (including any awards, work experience, research opportunities, or family involvement) 
• School of Music application (for applicants to the School of Music only) 

Learn more about the University of Maryland 

What does it cost to attend The University of Maryland, College Park?

How to Write the University of Maryland College Park Essays 2021-2022

Student Life at Big 10 Schools: What It’s Really Like

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How to Apply: Statistics Graduate Program

The University of Maryland's Graduate School accepts applications through its GradApply  system. Before completing the application, applicants are asked to check Admissions Requirements for specific instructions and additional requirements (select your program of interest).  

The electronic submission of application materials helps expedite the review of an application. Completed applications are reviewed by an admissions committee in each graduate degree program. The recommendations of the committees are submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School, who will make the final admission decision.

As required by the Graduate School, all application materials are to be submitted electronically:

• Graduate application
• Transcripts
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation (3)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• TOEFL/IELTS (International students only - required even if eligible for waiver)
• Program/Department supporting documents ( as applicable )
• Non-refundable application fee ($75) for each program to which an applicant applies
• Please check Admissions Requirements for additional requirements

Students seeking to complete graduate work at the University of Maryland for degree purposes must be formally admitted to the Graduate School by the Dean. To ensure the integrity of the application process, the University of Maryland authenticates submitted materials through  TurnItIn for Admissions .

For more information, please visit UMD's Application Process .

JD Admissions

First-year applicants.

Learn more about application requirements for the JD degree at Maryland Carey Law.

Transfer Applicants

Transfer from another ABA-approved JD program to Maryland Carey Law.

3+3 Dual Degree Program for UMCP Students

Get a jumpstart on your JD degree if you are a University of Maryland, College Park student.

Admissions Advice

Read application tips and get answers to frequently asked application questions.

• Academic Catalog
• Schedule of Classes

Residency Reclassification

Spring 2024/summer i 2024 petitions for residency reclassification.

Please be advised that the Spring 2024 petition submission cycle has closed. Petitions will be accepted for Summer I 2024 between April 8,  2024 - May 28, 2024. Students are required to be registered for the semester/term and to submit their petitions by mail or in-person to the office. Electronic submissions will not be accepted.

Students should notify Residency Reclassification Services at the University of Maryland, College Park, in writing, within fifteen (15) days of  any change in circumstances which may alter in-state status.  Failure to do so may result in retroactive charges for each semester/term affected.

Reclassification Procedures

Students may seek a review or change to their out-of-state residency designation following certain procedures.

Petition Deadlines

Students who file a petition for change in residency classification must do so by UMD's established deadlines.

Non-Resident Tuition Exemptions

Students who have been classified as non-resident and meet certain exemption criteria may be eligible to be billed at the in-state tuition rate.

Residency Forms

Students can download residency forms and associated checklists.

Residency FAQs

Answers to common residency questions

Application question *help me please*

I have completed my application for UMD which is due on Nov. 1 for EA. However, according to naviance, my transcripts are still “requested” but not sent and office materials are “pending”. Can I submit my application before the school receives my transcripts?

Yes, go ahead. They will match up all the pieces once they are received.

Yes, colleges expect it may take a week or two for everything to arrive from high schools. Within a week or so of submitting your application you will receive an email from the college to set up a login account for a portal that will allow you to see status of all the pieces of your app. You should check it for updates so you’ll know if you need to pester your high school.

Yes, submit your application now. Do not wait to send your application if it’s ready to go. I disagree with advice above - I personally think you will need to pester your guidance counselor first thing tomorrow. Make that your priority. Explain that if they don’t submit your transcript by Thursday deadline of November 1st, your application as priority deadline submission is incomplete and you will not be eligible for merit scholarships or other special programs under the regular admission deadline. Do NOT wait for portal status. Sure, naviance may not have been updated, but you need to know that now and they need to get that transcript sent now…Best of luck in the admissions process!

I fully agree with @maryversity . Also. UMD does everything through the Coalition Portal. There is no other portal. The Coalition Portal is used when Admission Decisions are released.

Does anyone know how long it takes for the Coalition App checklist to be updated after submission? D19 submitted this past weekend but the checklist still shows nothing as received (SAT, Transcript, LOR, etc).

My son submitted Sunday and his test scores are not showing up either. He sent an email to admissions and the automatic response said it could take 2-5 days to show up. We’re still a little nervous though.

While I have no experience with the Coalition portal updating, when Maryland had its own portal, it definitely took a while to match up scores. FYI, some issues with matching up records happened in previous years as a result of using a different version of your name on the SAT than what you apply with - for example adding a middle name or initial. They ultimately do match them, but that does delay things a bit. I will tell you that when my eldest applied, I was a nervous nellie about making sure everything was documented as “received” by the deadline. It happened that we went for an engineering event the weekend before the deadline, so I did check directly with admissions office while we were there. They showed everything received in their system, but it didn’t show up on the Maryland portal until a week or two after the deadline. Hope that helps to know…best of luck, everyone!

@maryversity Very funny/coincidental you mention that. Basically my ACT scores have not been received by UMD. I sent them months ago and all my other schools received them. I have been calling the admissions office like every day, but I am always left on hold and unable to actually talk to a human. I emailed them today. Hopefully this will get figured out. Perhaps my ACT has a different version of my name, interesting idea. But why would this not pose an issue at all of my schools?

Checked the Coalition checklist today and looks like everything has been received but under the Application Status section at the top it says: Your Application Complete Date Is - Not Received.

My son’s updated with his oldest test score sent date and says the same thing for application complete date - not received.

FYI, our application complete date just updated with today’s date. We had to call about the most recent ACT score not showing up though.

@kkendall Lol, I have no idea why other schools are able to match faster without an issue … But yeah, I mentioned this scenario because the matchup delay has happened on more than one occasion over the years, so I figured it was a good idea to put that out there and hopefully save some anxiety. While waiting to hear back from Maryland (and I would try calling again tomorrow), if you view your ACT account, you should be able to verify that you did request scores to be sent to Maryland. If so, print out a copy of that just as a backup, just in case. Not that I expect you to need it or that there will be an issue, but I am one of the “better safe than sorry” people. I would think that if every other school you requested scores to be sent to did verify receipt of scores, and your ACT account shows that Maryland is among that list of your requests, you should be good.

Did your high school guidance department confirm that they submitted your transcripts?

Yes, my guidance department just resent the transcripts and it worked. Additionally, I emailed UMD and they responded saying they have received my ACT scores. So all has been resolved. What a relief! Thanks for all the help @maryversity

Yay! Now, I’ll be waiting to hear more good news at the end of January…please trust me, it will not be the middle of January, despite all rumors to the contrary. It will absolutely be the end of January. So, in the meantime, if all your apps are in, enjoy your senior year to the fullest!

Ahaha thanks! Only 3 more apps to submit, but they are done for the most part. Woooooo

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Bachelor of Science in Architecture: Admissions

Welcome and thank you for your interest in the undergraduate degree programs in the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (MAPP) at the University of Maryland. All prospective students must apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions . If you are interested in pursuing architecture as your major at the University of Maryland, make sure that you indicate this on your undergraduate admissions application. The Bachelor of Science degree is more restrictive than the Bachelor of Arts degree, and placement into this program depends on the degree placement review process that occurs during the student’s first studio course.

Undergraduate Admissions sponsors many events throughout the year for prospective students. We encourage you to visit campus!  Explore opportunities for visiting Maryland on the Admissions website .  

Contact Undergraduate Admissions at [email protected] .

Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Architecture .

Degree Placement Review Process

In order to determine the degree placement of each student (B.A. or B.S.), current students and incoming transfer students need to apply through the Degree Placement Review Process.

Current UMD Students:

All students admitted to the Architecture program prior to Degree Placement Review Process are Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (B.A.) students. During students’ sophomore Spring semester (while enrolled in ARCH400), students can elect to submit an application to the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.S.) degree.

Transfer Students:

All transfer students who come into the Architecture program prior to the Degree Placement Review start as Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (B.A.) students. If a student has taken the proper equivalent prerequisite coursework, students may elect to apply for the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.S.) degree during the Spring semester, for the following Fall. 

All transfer students must be admitted by the University of Maryland, in addition to the Architecture program requirements. University admissions information can be found on the  University's website .

B.S. Application Documents:

Students must submit the documents outlined on the  BS ARCH Application Cover Sheet , including the cover sheet page, unofficial transcript, resume, essay, portfolio and optional letter of circumstance. Portfolio requirements can be found in this document:  BS ARCH Portfolio Requirements .

This evaluation of this application will determine the student's degree placement. This decision is based on academic performance, portfolio evaluation, professional aspirations and skill levels, as evaluated by Architecture program faculty.

For Fall 2024, the deadline to apply for the Bachelor of Science is April 12, 2024 . Please fill out this  form  before the deadline to be considered. 

Transfer Students

All transfer students who gain admission into the University of Maryland’s School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation will be placed onto the Bachelor of Arts track. 

All transfer applicants should list Architecture Bachelor of Art as your intended major on the application.

To be considered for the Bachelor of Science track, students must participate in the Degree Placement Process. Please read the section entitled Degree Placement Process to learn more.

Pre-Transfer

The Pre-Transfer Advising program provides support to prospective transfer students from two-year and four-year schools before they apply to the University of Maryland to complete an undergraduate degree. Students are encouraged to use pre-transfer advising services to assess their readiness to transfer and estimate their time to degree completion. To sign up for a pre-transfer advising appointment, please visit: https://www.pretransferadvising.umd.edu/ .

Transfer Credits

The transfer credit evaluation process usually begins for newly admitted students two weeks after you receive your admission letter. To learn more about this process, please visit the Transfer Credit Services website .

Transfer courses that have already been evaluated can be found in the Transfer Database . If you would like to request an evaluation of a course(s) not appearing in the database, simply send an email to [email protected] with your name, UID (if you are a current student), name of the institution where the course was taken, the course ID and course title at the transfer institution, along with a detailed course syllabus.

Transfer Student Requirements

Go to the Undergraduate Admissions website for transfer application requirements.

All transfer deadlines to the University of Maryland can be found at:  www.admissions.umd.edu/apply/ApplicationDeadlines.php

Prerequisites and Recommended Courses

1 English Composition course (equivalent to ENGL101)

1 calculus course (equivalent to either math120 or math140), 1 physics course with lab (equivalent to phys121), at least 2 introductory architecture courses (equivalent to arch171 and arch200/300), 2 history of architecture courses (equivalent to arch225 and arch226).

Degree Placement Review Process Transfer Students: All transfer students who come into the Architecture program prior to the Degree Placement Review start as Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (B.A.) students. If a student has taken the proper equivalent prerequisite coursework, students may elect to apply for the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.S.) degree during the Spring semester, for the following Fall. 

All transfer students must be admitted by the University of Maryland, in addition to the Architecture program requirements. University admissions information can be found on the University's website .

Please see details in “Degree Placement Review Process” accordion above for the Bachelor of Science in Architecture application process.

Fall Application Deadlines:

U.S. and International Freshmen:

     Early Action: November 1      Regular Deadline: January 20

U.S. and International Transfer:

     Early Action: March 1      Regular Deadline: June 1

Spring Application Deadlines:

U.S. Freshmen:

     Early Action: December 1

International Freshmen & Transfer:

     Early Action & Regular Deadline: August 1

U.S. Transfer:

     Early Action: August 1      Regular Deadline: November 15

Additional information can be found on UMD’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions website .

Students are strongly encouraged to apply by the early action deadline.

Profile of Applicants

Applicants to the architecture program are typically highly motivated individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the visual arts, as well as mathematics and science. Many of our students are admitted to and participate in the University Honors Program , the College Park Scholars Program , or the Gemstone Honors Program , while enrolled at the university.

Get a sneak peak of student life with these short videos featuring Salam , JT , and Jake  below.

Technology Requirements

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation requires that all students studying architecture purchase a laptop computer. Specific requirements for students studying architecture are listed below for both hardware and software. In addition to these requirements, many students also purchase monitors so that they can expand their digital workspace. 

We provide the following technical specifications to define the baseline requirements. Many software applications are available to all matriculated students.  We recommend you check the following website to see a complete list,  https://terpware.umd.edu/ . A list of required and recommended software is listed below. Please take advantage of student discounts for software.

Preferred Hardware Specifications

VR-Ready PC laptop ~ $2,400.00 Total (Great for multi-purposes overall)

Processor: Intel Core i7 or greater

Memory (RAM): 16 GB - 32 GB DDR4

Hard Drive: 512 GB SSD or greater for Operating System and 1TB for data storage

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX1060 or RTX2060 or greater

Extended warranty with accidental coverage.

MacBook Pro (16 inch model) ~ $2,700.00 Total (Great for graphic design, not for VR or modeling)

KEEP IN MIND:  Some coursework software are NOT compatible or supported on macOS such as AutoDesk Revit, NavisWorks and Lumion. A BootCamp partition must be configured for Windows OS so that those applications can be installed on top of Windows.

Processor: Intel Core i7.

Memory: 16GB - 32GB DDR4.

Hard Drive: 1TB SSD or greater.

GPU: AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 8GB of GDDR6.

Apple Care is highly encouraged. 

Many students also purchase monitors so that they can expand their digital workspace. Additional external storage and peripherals are recommended for workability and backup purposes.

External monitor 27-inch 4K monitor or larger

University-provided cloud storage (Google Drive and/or Box) 

Software –  Approximately $ 244.00 Total

The following are the required software applications for architecture students:

Adobe Creative Suite (or Adobe Creative Cloud) -- FREE through UMD TERPware program:

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe inDesign

Adobe Illustrator

Autodesk– FREE through Autodesk Education portal ( https://www.autodesk.com/education/home )

Autodesk AutoCAD

Autodesk Revit

Microsoft Office– FREE through UMD TERPware program

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Powerpoint

Microsoft Excel

Rhinoceros (through  www.creationengine.com , $195)

SketchUp Pro (through  www.creationengine.com , $49)

Tuition and Fees

For current tuition and fees, please visit the  Student Financial Services and Cashiering  website.

International Student and Scholar Services

1126 H.J. Patterson Hall Phone: 301-314-7740 http://isss.umd.edu

Director: Susan-Ellis Dougherty

International students and faculty receive a wide variety of services designed to help them benefit from their experience in the United States. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) works closely with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions on the admission of international students. ISSS services include: university sponsorship of international students, orientation programs, immigration and employment seminars and coffee hours. ISSS advisors counsel international undergraduate students concerning immigration, personal and campus life issues.

F-1 and J-1 Status Students

The ISSS is the only office on campus authorized to sign immigration documents and advise on the following topics: extension of stay, transfers, off-campus employment authorization, practical training, and course loads.

Students with F-1 or J-1 status are responsible for following the regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the Department of State (DOS) pertaining to their visa status.

Maintaining Status

• Full-time Registration: In order to maintain full-time student status for immigration purposes, F-1 and J-1 undergraduate students are expected to register for and complete a minimum credit load of 12 hours per semester. Pre-approval from ISSS is required if you are going to complete the semester with fewer than 12 credits.
• Documents: International students must have a valid passport at all times unless exempt from passport requirements. If your I-20 or DS-2109 will soon expire you should apply for an extension at least 30 days prior to the program completion date on the document. To travel outside the U.S. and re-enter as an F-1 or J-1, an advisor in ISSS must sign your I-20 or DS-2109 before you leave.
• Health Insurance: All undergraduate students, regardless of visa status, are required by the University Health Center to carry adequate health insurance. In addition, J-1 students must present copies of their health insurance to ISSS in order to comply with Department of State requirements.

We hope you will find the resources you need in this catalog or by visiting our office. Please contact us if we can be of any further assistance to you.

Thanks for being a part of our global UMD community!

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Getting Started

Admissions requirements.

Below is a summary of the Graduate School’s minimum requirements for admission to graduate study and its guidelines for applying.  Complete, detailed requirements and policies are outlined in the Admissions section of the Graduate School  Catalog .

Minimum Standards and Requirements

The minimum academic standard for regular admission to the Graduate School is a B average, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, in a program resulting in the award of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree and standing from a comparable foreign institution.

Standards for admission to a doctoral program are generally higher than those for admission to a certificate or an MS program. Applicants must also document, where necessary, successful completion of undergraduate prerequisites for graduate study in the chosen field.

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements set by the Graduate School and must meet departmental and/or program-specific requirements which may exceed the minimum. 

The Graduate School relies on recommendations from admissions committees/representatives of the degree-granting programs to determine the admissibility of applicants.  

Application Procedures and Required Items

The completed application form must be signed (hand signature or electronic certification) by the candidate for admission to receive consideration. A completed application file includes the application form for admission, the required, nonrefundable $75.00 USD application fee*, and all accompanying documents required for the given degree program or status.  

Failure to comply with all Graduate School and departmental or program requirements for admission, or failure to provide a completed application file by the published application deadline date, may result in the application being denied or not being considered.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the Graduate School receives all required application materials.

Transcripts   – Applicants must submit transcripts from each college/university attended, including work in progress at time of application.  Unofficial copies may be provided for the application review process. 

Admitted students must provide official transcripts from each college/university from which a degree was earned no later than the first day of the first term of enrollment at UMB.  Transcripts must be provided to the Graduate School directly from the prior, degree-granting institution in a sealed envelope in order for that document to be considered official.  Alternatively, it may be provided to the Graduate School electronically by way of a secure, encrypted platform. 

Official Score Reports   – Applicants for admission must have the respective testing agency — Educational Testing Service (for GRE’s and TOEFL scores) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) — provide the Graduate School with official score reports to be considered for admission.

The Graduate School’s institution code for the GRE and for the TOEFL is   5848.

Time Limitations of Standardized Tests   – Graduate Record Examinations must have been taken within five years of the start of the desired admission term, and English language proficiency exams — The TOEFL or the IELTS exam — must have been taken within two years of the start of the desired admission term to be considered valid scores for admission consideration.

Language Requirements   – Applicants whose native language or language of the home is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. The TOEFL and the IELTS exam are the only measures of English language proficiency accepted by the Graduate School.

*Application fee waived for Nursing PhD applicants. 

Certification of Application Information and Applicant/Student Records

Applicants must provide accurate and complete information on all application documents. Intentional omission or falsification of information during the application process will result in the immediate rejection of the application and dismissal of the student if s/he has enrolled at UMB.

Application materials of admitted students become part of the student’s official file and property of the Graduate School upon the student’s enrollment. Under no circumstances will the Graduate School provide photocopies of official transcripts or score reports received from other institutions or agencies.

Admissions Decisions and Offers of Admission

The timetable in which an admission decision is made upon completion of the application file varies greatly from program to program.  Official admission decision notices are typically issued within 24 hours of the Graduate School’s receiving the recommendation from the respective program to admit or deny the applicant.    

Admission offers made by the Graduate School are based on the degree program admission committee’s recommendations. Each offer indicates a specific semester and year, and program of admittance. Each offer requires a response (acceptance or non-acceptance of the offer) or the offer becomes void.

An offer of admission made to students enrolled in their final semester of work toward a graduate or undergraduate degree is contingent upon their completion of that degree at or above their academic standing at the time the offer was made.

Admitted students must provide official documents including test scores and transcripts from each college/university from which a degree was earned prior to first term of enrollment at UMB. The UMB Graduate School reserves the right to rescind any offer of admission if discrepancies are found between uploaded/unofficial documents and the official documents, including test scores and transcripts.

Mandatory Drug and Criminal Background Check Requirements for Certain Study or Research Areas

Certain study or research activities of students may require access to biological or chemical materials that are subject to special restrictions under federal law. Individuals who wish to be authorized to have access to such materials must comply with UMB policy, state law, and federally mandated drug and criminal background checks. Students who cannot maintain eligibility to engage in study or research with biological or chemical materials have no assurance that UMB will provide an alternative path of study or research. Therefore, students may not be able to enroll or to continue enrollment and advancement at UMB. Because of the serious financial and academic consequences of failure to obtain and maintain ongoing eligibility with legal requirements, students should plan in advance to ask advisors, faculty, and mentors about authorization for access to biological and chemical materials. Students should carefully consider the drug and criminal background check requirements before selecting a course of study or research that may be subject to special restrictions.

Special Services/Accommodations

Individuals who are offered admission and who need accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the University’s of Office of Educational Support and Disability Services (ESDS) and the respective graduate program director in a timely manner. Accommodations are not made retroactively.

UMB Office of Educational Support and Disability Services HS/HSL 601 W. Lombard St., Suite 201F Baltimore, MD 21201 410-706-5889/410-706-7505

[email protected]  

The University of Maryland, Baltimore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or age in its programs and activities. Specifically, Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in UMB's programs and activities. UMB will take steps to eliminate prohibited conduct, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects. 

620 W. Lexington St. Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 706-3100

University of Maryland Graduate School. All Rights Reserved.

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Want more information about our majors?

Want to learn more about life as a Terp?

Ready to apply?

Need more information on cost of attendance at UMD, financing your education and merit scholarships?

Update to Enrollment Confirmation Deadline

Due to the shifted FAFSA 2024-2025 timeline; 

1. We have extended our 2024-25 FAFSA filing priority deadline   to April 1, 2024 .

2. We have extended our freshmen Fall 2024 enrollment confirmation deadline   to May 15, 2024

Transfer Applicants

Transfer students play a pivotal role at the University of Maryland (UMD), where they bring unique perspectives from their college studies as well as a diversity of backgrounds, geographic origins and personal experiences.

TRANSFER TO UMD

Apply as a transfer student if you are a high school graduate who has completed at least 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours after high school graduation at a regionally accredited college or university.

Below you will find information on transfer application requirements and deadlines, a complete list of required application materials and more.

Applicant Requirements

Admission to UMD is competitive and the number of students seeking admission exceeds the number who can be accommodated. Admission is based on the overall strength of the student's academic performance and is assessed through a holistic review. In accordance with the Maryland Higher Education Commission and Board of Regents transfer policies, certain applicants from Maryland public institutions are given special consideration and are admitted when space is available.

The university expects you, at a minimum, to meet the following requirements:

High School

To be considered a transfer applicant, you must have graduated high school or have completion of high school equivalency.

College Credits

You must complete at least 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours at a regionally accredited college or university. (AP/IB credits or placement tests cannot be used toward this requirement.)

If you are in progress of completing 12 credits, please email us prior to submitting an application for guidance on how to complete your application. Email  [email protected]  with the subject line "12 Credits In-Progress Transfer Applicant".

College Courses

You are expected to have completed English Composition (the equivalent of UMD’s ENGL 101 course) and  college-level mathematics (the equivalent of UMD’s Math 107 course or equivalent to the general education fundamental mathematics requirement).

Choosing a Major

Whether you know exactly what you want to study or are still figuring it out, we encourage you to explore UMD's academic programs . As you explore you may see that some of our majors are considered Limited Enrollment Programs (LEP). These programs have limited space and, therefore, have more competitive admission criteria.

On the UMD application, you'll select a preferred major. This information will not impact whether or not you are admissible to the university. If you selected an LEP, you will also be reviewed by the specific program to determine admission to your preferred major.

While most students are admitted to their preferred major, some LEP applicants may not be. Students who are undecided or undeclared (working on getting into an LEP) will work with Letters & Sciences advisors to explore their interests or complete LEP gateway requirements.

Benefits of Applying Early Action

We strongly encourage you to apply early action to receive priority consideration for admission and merit-based scholarships . Your application must be complete by the early action deadline in order to be reviewed. Applications that are not complete by the early action deadline will be considered for the regular application deadline.

fall Application Deadlines

Spring application deadlines.

November 15

View All Application Deadlines View All Application Deadlines

Application Platform

Transfer students can apply to UMD using the StandOut Admissions Network . We encourage you to reference our frequently asked questions if you need help completing the UMD application, especially parts that focus on high school information. 

Application Checklist

Utilize our application checklist to ensure you're submitting all required transfer application materials.

Before you get started, consider the following questions:

• Do you have non-U.S. academic records? | If you have non-U.S. academic records for post-secondary/university work, please review our international applicant requirements for instructions on submitting these records.
• Do you have a Joint Services Transcript? | If you have a Joint Services Transcript, please review the special audiences section of our Prospective Students page for information regarding U.S. veterans and transferrable credits.

Completed online application

The transfer application can be submitted online via the  StandOut Admissions Network .

As part of the online application you will be required to submit a(n):

Essay | This is your opportunity to share your personality and experiences with the Admission Committee. Please use our transfer student  essay prompt .

Activities and awards list or resume | Detail your efforts in the community, arts, leadership, athletics, family involvements, work experience and other extracurricular activities and hobbies in order of interest to you. This information can be submitted via the Activities/Experience section of the Profile or by uploading a separate document.

Nonrefundable application fee of $75 | When submitting your application you will be required to pay a $75 application fee on our secure website with a credit card unless you have received a fee waiver . Fee waivers must be submitted prior to application submission for consideration. We cannot accept cash or check payments.

Official copy of your college transcripts

Each institution you've attended must submit an official copy of your college transcripts listing all courses you have attempted. A final official transcript from your current institution must be sent upon completion of any courses in progress. Learn how transcripts can be submitted on our Submitting Documents page.

If you have non-U.S. academic records for post-secondary work, please review our international applicant requirements as they might apply to you.

Official copy of your high school transcripts (if necessary)

If you have completed fewer than 30 semester or 45 quarter hours post high school graduation, then at the time of applying you will need to request an official copy of your final high school transcript listing all courses you have completed. Learn how transcripts can be submitted on our Submitting Documents page.

AP/IB credits and placement tests cannot be used towards the overall 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours.

Official standardized test scores (optional)

Traditionally, students who completed fewer than 30 semester or 45 quarter hours post high school graduation, would need to submit their SAT and/or ACT scores at the time of applying. However, UMD is currently test-optional through to the Spring and Fall 2025 application cycles, which means you have the option to choose whether or not you would like your test scores considered as a part of your application review. If you choose to include your test scores, learn how to submit them on our Submitting Documents page.

If you would like to receive credit toward your degree for successfully completing Advanced Placement (AP) , International Baccalaureate (IB) , A/AS level examinations or certain other standard exams, you must submit those official scores upon receiving an offer of admission.

Letter of recommendation (optional)

You may choose to submit a letter of recommendation with your application. Recommendations must be sent to us directly from the recommender, and they can be written by anyone of the applicant's choosing including teachers, counselors, coaches and mentors. Learn how recommendation letters can be submitted on our Submitting Documents page.

School of Music application (School of Music applicants only)

In addition to the above items, students seeking enrollment into the School of Music must submit the online application supplement and audition . These items will only be used to determine your eligibility for admission into the School of Music and will not be used in the review of your eligibility for admission to UMD.

MAKING SURE YOUR UMD APPLICATION IS COMPLETE

Applications are considered complete when the online application and all required documents have been submitted electronically or postmarked by the appropriate deadline . It is your responsibility to confirm receipt of all materials.

Through your Terps Application Portal (TAP) account, you can:

• Track your application status.
• Confirm receipt of application materials.
• Receive your admission decision when it becomes available.

Keep in mind:  It may take up to two weeks for recently submitted materials to be listed as received on your checklist.

Services for Transfer Students

Pre-Transfer Advising

Transfer students from two-year and four-year schools are encouraged to take advantage of Pre-Transfer Advising before applying to UMD. Pre-Transfer Advising will help assess your readiness to transfer and estimate your time to degree completion. You can also review 4-Year Plans for information about the major and graduation requirements for specific programs.

The advisors from your Maryland community college can work closely with pre-transfer advisors for issues related to transfer credits and major options. Pre-Transfer advisors help you determine how previous coursework will apply to your UMD degree, identify remaining general education and major requirements, and locate specific resources for additional assistance.

Transfer Credit Services

Transfer Credit Services facilitates the evaluation of credit for new students who have earned college credit or prior learning credits (such as AP, IB, A/AS level exams). They provide a course database to help students and advisors estimate what credits will transfer to UMD. A final determination will be made after being admitted to UMD and a review of your official college transcripts.

Maryland Transfer Advantage Program (MTAP)

MTAP provides a guaranteed admission pathway for students at participating community colleges to earn a bachelor’s degree at UMD. Students who participate in MTAP have access to transfer advising resources and can take discounted courses at UMD before officially transferring.

Application FAQs

If questions come up as you're filling out the UMD application, be sure to reference our frequently asked questions. We've gathered answers about the application platforms, required materials, what to do after you've applied, and more.

Submitting Documents

Find details on the best way to submit all of your required application materials.

Admission Review Process & Factors

Familiarize yourself with our holistic review process and the many factors we consider when reviewing applications.

There is a lot more to learn about UMD, so let's stay in touch!

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