Freshman Application Checklist

1.Completed online application

We strongly encourage you to apply by the early action deadline to receive priority consideration for admission, merit-based scholarships and invitations to special programs. Applications must be completed online and all additional application materials must be received or postmarked by the appropriate deadline.

2. Nonrefundable application fee of $75

When completing your University of Maryland (UMD) application, you will be required to pay the $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 completion for consideration. We cannot accept cash or check payments. 

3. Two letters of recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required for a completed application: one from your school counselor and one from a teacher. Recommendations must be sent to us directly from the recommender.

4. Official copy of your high school transcripts

Each high school you've attended must submit an official copy of your high school transcript(s) listing all courses you attempted/completed.

5. Official copy of your college transcripts (if necessary)

If you have completed any collegiate coursework, each institution you've attended must submit an official copy of your college transcripts listing all courses you attempted/completed.

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

6. Official standardized test scores (optional)

In recognition of the ongoing COVID-19 impacts on prospective students, UMD has decided to extend its practice to make SAT and ACT scores optional through to the Spring and Fall 2025 application cycles. You will be able to indicate your test-optional status on the application. Additional information can be found on our Future Terps Updates 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. 

7. Activities and awards list or resume

The Activities section of the application allows you to detail the various ways in which you spend your time outside the classroom. Please start by sharing the two experiences outside of your academic program that are most important to you. Whether community involvement, the arts, sports, work experience, research opportunities, family involvements or other activities and hobbies, you should share only what has been particularly meaningful (up to a maximum of eight). 

8. Essay

The essay provides you with the opportunity to tell the Admission Committee more about your personality and experiences. Our Essay Questions page provides the prompts from which you can select. 

9. 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 complete an audition. The application supplement and audition 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.

10. Terps Application Portal (TAP)

Within two business days of submitting your application, whether via Common App or StandOut Admissions Network, you will receive an email from our office with instructions on how to create a TAP account. Once you've created your account, you can access TAP to track your application status and confirm receipt of required materials. This is also where you will receive your electronic admission decision when it becomes available. 

If you are mailing any application materials, please send them to:

University of Maryland
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Mitchell Building, 7999 Regents Dr.
College Park, MD 20742-5235, USA