Exploring the University of Maryland: A Comprehensive Guide for High School Students and Their Families
Whether you are a high school student starting to consider your college options or a parent helping guide your student through the application process, the University of Maryland, College Park, (“UMD”) is a great option for students looking to thrive both academically and personally at a large, public university.
Location Matters
Located just five miles outside Washington, D.C., and ten miles from the U.S. Capitol Building, College Park offers the quintessential college town experience. Over the years, the area has undergone a dramatic transformation, now boasting an array of restaurants, shopping locations, and hotels.
One of the standout features of UMD is the dual college experience it offers. Students can enjoy the typical collegiate environment in a vibrant college town, while also having easy access to the myriad opportunities available in Washington, D.C. From lecture series and internships to jobs and class assignments, D.C. adds a dynamic layer to the UMD experience. Beyond academics, the city offers cultural enrichment with its museums, Georgetown's shopping scene, professional athletic teams, and diverse restaurants.
The proximity to Washington, D.C., is a calling card for students seeking a well-rounded college experience. The capital city provides endless opportunities for networking, professional growth, and personal development. Whether you're interested in politics, art, history, or technology, D.C. serves as an extension of the classroom, offering experiences that contribute to both academic and personal growth.
Academics at UMD
UMD is home to 12 colleges and schools, offering more than 100 majors across a wide array of disciplines. Whether you’re passionate about business, engineering, the arts, or the social sciences, UMD has a program to suit your academic interests.
Here’s a list of UMD's 12 schools and colleges, each offering distinct programs and opportunities:
College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
Robert H. Smith School of Business
College of Engineering
College of Arts and Humanities
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
School of Public Health
School of Public Policy
School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation
Philip Merrill College of Journalism
College of Education
College of Information Studies
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Each college and school at UMD provides specialized academic programs and opportunities for hands-on learning, preparing students for success in their chosen fields.
UMD offers several popular programs with limited enrollment to maintain high-quality education and ensure students graduate on time. These programs are called Limited Enrollment Programs and include Business, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, and more. Students interested in these programs undergo a second review by the respective academic department after being admitted to the university. While competitive, these programs offer a pathway to specialized careers and advanced studies.
For students who are undecided or not admitted directly into an LEP, UMD offers the Letters and Sciences program. This program provides robust academic advising, helping students discover their interests and transition into a major, including an LEP, by the end of their sophomore year.
The Honors College at UMD is a living-learning community that provides students with opportunities to engage in academic research, work closely with faculty, and participate in a variety of interdisciplinary programs. Admission to the Honors College is highly selective and is based on a student's high school academic performance, essays, recommendations, and extracurricular involvement.
Special Experiences Beyond the Classroom
UMD provides students with numerous opportunities beyond the classroom to enhance their educational experience.
Research is a core component of the UMD experience, and students have the opportunity to participate in research across all majors and programs. Whether you're interested in scientific discovery, social science, or the arts, UMD encourages students to pursue research projects that align with their passions and career goals.
UMD sends students across the country for internships, offering practical experience that complements classroom learning. The university's connections with local and national organizations provide students with valuable opportunities to gain insights into their chosen fields and build professional networks.
UMD sends students abroad at four times the national rate, offering programs on all major continents. Popular destinations include London, Rome, and Barcelona. These programs allow students to immerse themselves in different cultures, learn new languages, and gain global perspectives that enhance their academic and personal growth.
UMD is committed to service learning, offering opportunities like alternative breaks during spring, fall, and winter. These programs take students across the country or abroad for service projects, fostering a sense of community involvement and social responsibility.
Student Life
UMD offers six living and learning communities for freshmen, including the Honors College and College Scholars program. These communities allow students to live together in the same dorm and take courses that satisfy general education or major requirements, fostering a sense of camaraderie and academic collaboration.
With over 800 student organizations, UMD provides a platform for students to engage in diverse interests, from academic clubs to cultural societies. The Maryland Terrapins also boast DI athletics in the Big 10, offering 19 varsity sports. Whether you're an athlete or a fan, there's no shortage of sports activities to participate in or support.
Greek life is an integral part of UMD's social scene, with about 12-15% of students participating in social Greek life and nearly 40 registered Greek houses on campus. Greek life offers opportunities for leadership, community service, and lifelong friendships.
The Application Process
The University of Maryland employs a holistic review process that considers 24 distinct factors to ensure that each applicant is evaluated comprehensively. This multifaceted approach not only takes into account academic achievements but also delves into personal attributes and experiences that provide a fuller picture of a student's potential and character.
Academic components are a crucial part of this evaluation, accounting for approximately one-third of the 24 factors. These include standardized test scores, grade point averages, and the rigor of high school courses. The Admissions Committee examines each applicant's academic trajectory to assess their preparedness for the challenging curriculum at UMD.
The remaining two-thirds of the factors assess non-academic qualities. These encompass leadership experience, community service, extracurricular activities, and personal essays, which offer insights into the applicant's personality, motivation, and dedication. Additionally, recommendations from teachers and counselors provide context to an applicant's achievements and potential contributions to the UMD community.
At UM, the admissions office conducts a major-blind review of applications, ensuring fairness and equality for all prospective students. This means that regardless of the major you are interested in, including LEPs, every application is assessed with the same criteria and without bias towards any specific field of study. On your UMD application, you will have the opportunity to select a preferred major. It is essential to understand that your choice of major will not influence your overall admissibility to the university. If a student is selected for admission to UMD and has applied to an LEP (such as Business, Engineering, or Computer Science), a secondary review by the respective academic department will be conducted. This review is focused through the lens and expertise of that department, providing a thorough evaluation of the student's fit for the specific program..
While many students succeed in gaining admission to their preferred major, LEP applicants might not be admitted directly into their chosen program. For those students who are in the process of entering an LEP, the Letters and Sciences advisors play a crucial role in assisting them. These advisors provide guidance to help students explore their interests or complete the necessary LEP gateway requirements.
UMD offers two major application deadlines: Early Action and Regular Decision. Early Action, with a November 1st deadline, is non-binding and provides priority consideration for merit scholarships, special programs, and admission. The university strongly recommends applying by Early Action for the strongest consideration.
The Regular Decision deadline for applications is January 20. Keep in mind that the competition is more intense in the Regular Decision pool since most admissions offers are made to Early Action applicants.
UMD practices need-blind admissions, meaning the admissions office does not have access to financial aid information during the review process. Need-based aid awards do not impact eligibility for merit-based scholarships, ensuring fair consideration for all applicants.
When preparing your application to UMD, you must focus on several key components of the application. Essays are a vital part of the application, providing you an opportunity to convey your personal story, demonstrate writing skills, and highlight experiences that have shaped you.
Letters of Recommendation also play a crucial role as they provide an external evaluation of your abilities, value and character from individuals who know you well, such as teachers or counselors. These letters offer context and support the achievements and potential that might not be evident from other parts of your application.
UMD is test-optional through Spring 2025, meaning you can choose whether or not to submit SAT/ACT scores. If you choose not to submit scores, UMD will still fully evaluate your application based on other criteria. If you do choose to submit scores, they are just one part of a multifaceted evaluation. UMD values a strong academic record, but also recognizes the challenges and disparities in test taking; therefore, test scores are weighed alongside other academic and non-academic factors.
Lastly, the Common App Activity List and an activity resume (if it offers a more comprehensive picture of your extracurricular involvement than the Activity List alone) is your chance to showcase your involvement beyond the classroom. This includes extracurricular activities, leadership roles, volunteer work, and employment. This list helps the admissions committee understand your interests and the impact you have made in your community and school environment.
Choosing a college is a significant decision, and UMD offers a unique blend of academic rigor, vibrant student life, and access to unparalleled opportunities.
Ready to apply? Visit the University of Maryland’s website to learn more about what it means to be a part of the Terp family!
If you're feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about the application process, North Shore College Consulting is here to help. Our team of experts has extensive experience in guiding students through successful applications to UMD and other prestigious institutions. We will work closely with your student to ensure they are the most competitive applicant possible.