If your child is hoping to get into the University of Maryland, then you’re probably wondering whether or not they’ll be able to get in. You’ve come to the right place: we at Ivy Coach are the experts on college admissions, and we’re going to help you answer your UMD questions.

About the University of Maryland

The University of Maryland is located in College Park, just a thirty-minute drive from Washington, D.C. There are about 31,000 undergrads at the University of Maryland, and many of those students intern at places like NASA, the NSA, Capitol Hill, federal agencies, think tanks, defense contractors, and major tech firms. Academically, UMD’s strengths lie in its highly ranked Computer Science program, the Robert H. Smith School of Business, and the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. 

One of the University of Maryland’s stand-out features is its Honors College, which functions like a mini college within UMD, offering a tight-knit community with separate housing quarters. The University of Maryland has over $1.5 billion dollars a year in research funding, a huge budget that means undergrads get to work in labs and take part in other hands-on research. UMD is also a Big Ten school, so students across campus get to enjoy full-fledged game days.

The acceptance rate to the University of Maryland Class of 2029 was 44.78%. That means getting into UMD is no walk in the College Park. 

University of Maryland Admissions Requirements 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for getting into the University of Maryland, or to any college, for that matter. UMD admissions officers review each application they receive holistically. That being said, they first look at academic performance, test scores, and extracurricular achievements. Let’s take a gander at what each of these components looks like for UMD admits. 

What Kind of GPA Is Necessary To Get Into the University of Maryland?

GPA		Percentage of the University of Maryland Class of 2029
4.0		89.23%
3.75-3.99		6.10%
3.5-3.74		2.53%
3.25-3.49		1.06%
3.0-3.24		0.66%
2.5-2.99		0.27%
2.0-2.49		0.15%
1.0-1.99		0%

What Kind of SAT or ACT Scores Are Needed To Get Into Maryland? 

The average SAT score for the University of Maryland Class of 2029 was 1470, and the average ACT score was 34. Although UMD is officially test-optional, we at Ivy Coach always recommend submitting scores, even to supposedly test-optional schools. 

What Classes Do Students Need to Take to Get Into Maryland?

UMD does not explicitly state any minimum high school course preparation for applicants. However, we at Ivy Coach know that colleges want to see students excelling in each core subject (English, history, math, science, and foreign language) all four years of high school. Additionally, they expect students to take advantage of any AP or other advanced courses on offer to them. 

What Kinds of Extracurriculars Does the University of Maryland Like To See?

We’re going to play MythBusters for a moment: highly selective colleges are not looking for well-rounded students. What schools are looking for are well-rounded student bodies comprised of uniquely talented students, each contributing some different achievement to the greater whole. So, when it comes to extracurriculars, go for depth over breadth. 

University of Maryland Application Requirements

UMD accepts the Common App or applications submitted through ApplyWeb platform. They require two letters of recommendation: one from a counselor and one from a teacher. They ask for one 650-word supplemental essay and provide seven different prompts. 

Does Maryland Require An Interview? 

The University of Maryland does not require an interview, and, in fact, they don’t even offer one!

What Are UMaryland’s Application Deadlines? 

The Early Action deadline to UMD is November 1st, and the Regular Decision deadline is January 20th. 

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Get Into the University of Maryland 

If you’re interested in discerning if your child has a shot of getting into the University of Maryland, we recommend setting up Ivy Coach’s Strategy Session. Not only will you find out if your child has a chance of getting into the University of Maryland, but you’ll receive a game plan of how your child can optimize their admission to the best school possible.