Freshman Application FAQs

Q: How can I apply to UMD?

Freshman students applying to UMD can do so using either the Common App or StandOut Admissions Network.

Q: Is UMD test-optional?

Yes. 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.

Q: Is the application fee different between the Common App and the StandOut Admissions Network platform?

No. The application fee is $75 on both platforms.

Q: Will my application be reviewed differently if I apply using the Common App or StandOut Admissions Network platform?

No. UMD employs a holistic review process that utilizes 26 unique review factors. The Admission Committee will undertake an individualized, rigorous and holistic review of each application, assessing academic merit, achievements and potential in the context of the opportunities and challenges the student faced.

Q: What essay questions will UMD use on the application?

You can choose from a selection of essay questions. Please visit our Essay Questions page for more information.

Q: When is the application deadline?

The freshman early action deadline for fall admission is November 1. If you submit a completed application by this deadline, you will receive priority consideration for admission to the university, merit-based scholarships and special programs. For more information, please review our complete listing of all application deadlines. 

Q: Is the early action deadline binding? If I’m admitted, when do I have to confirm my enrollment?

The November 1 early action deadline is non-binding. If you are admitted, you will have until May 1 to confirm your enrollment at UMD.

Q: What happens if my application is incomplete by the early action deadline? What about the regular deadline?

If you are unable to complete your application by the early action deadline, you can still be considered for admission if you submit a completed application and all required materials by the January 20 regular deadline.

Applications completed after the regular application deadline will only be reviewed on a rolling, space-available basis.

Q: How does UMD review applications for admission?

The undergraduate admissions process is rigorous and individualized. UMD employs a holistic review process that utilizes 26 unique review factors.

Q: What does a competitive freshman applicant look like?

Admitted freshman students have a strong A-/B+ or better average in their high school coursework and are enrolled in the most challenging courses available to them including honors, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses. Profile information regarding recently admitted freshman students can be found on our About UMD page.

Q: When can I begin to use the Common App?

You can begin using the Common App at any point in your high school career. Once you create an account, you can complete the Common App tab and add UMD to the My Colleges list. The information you fill in on the Common App tab will only be shared with the institutions to which you apply.

Q: How do I share my Common App information with UMD?

To share your contact information with UMD on the Common App, you must first create an account, opt-in to receiving messages from colleges and add UMD to your My Colleges list. Information entered on the Common App tab will later be incorporated directly into your application(s) when you begin the application process.

Q: Who should I contact if I'm experiencing technical challenges with the Common App?

If you are experiencing challenges with the Common App platform, account creation and/or password issues, you should seek assistance via the Common App’s Solutions Center.

Application process and status questions should be emailed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at ApplyMaryland@umd.edu.

Q: What are the main components that make up the StandOut Admissions Network platform?

There are three main sections of the StandOut Admissions Network platform: Profile, Locker and Colleges. Your Profile contains basic information about you that colleges are likely to require. In your private Locker, you can: Upload files of all kinds for safe and secure storage, and request transcripts and recommendations. The Colleges section helps you research and organize schools you’re interested in attending, easily join their mailing lists and manage and submit applications.  

Q: When can I begin to use StandOut Admissions Network?

You can begin using the StandOut Admissions Network platform at any time. Once you create an account, you can access the Profile, Locker and Colleges sections to organize items for your college application. 

Q: How do I share my profile information with UMD?

To share your contact information with UMD on the StandOut Admissions Network platform, you must first create an account and complete your profile. Profile information will later be transferred directly to your StandOut Admissions Network applications when you begin the application process. Once your profile is complete, you can search for the University of Maryland on the Colleges tab, check the box to share your confact information with us and get started on your application. We will receive this information and add you to our mailing list.

Q: Will UMD be reviewing or giving feedback on documents in my Locker?

No. The Locker is a private space for you to invite your academic advisors, teachers and mentors to review documents prior to submitting them as part of your application. UMD admissions staff do not have access to your Locker and will not review application materials prior to their submission.

Q: Who should I contact if I'm experiencing technical challenges with the StandOut Admissions Network platform?

For assistance with account creation, password issues and any challenges with the platform and tools, please contact StandOut Admissions Network directly.

Application process and status questions should be emailed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at ApplyMaryland@umd.edu.

Q: What do I need to submit for my application to be complete?

For an application to be complete, all items on the application checklist must be submitted and received by our office. Only completed applications will be reviewed and receive an admission decision.

Q: How do I submit application documents like letters of recommendation and transcripts?

In Common App, counselors/teachers you've added to your "Invite and Manage Recommenders" list will be able to electronically submit your official transcript(s) through the School Report in addition to your letters of recommendation. This can be completed even after you've submitted your UMD application.

In StandOut Admissions Network, counselors/teachers you've sent requests to will be able to electronically submit your official transcript(s) and letters of recommendation. The documents will appear in your Locker and from there you must attach them to your application in order for them to be submitted.

For a list of acceptable submission methods, review our Submitting Documents page. Items submitted outside of Common App or StandOut Admissions Network can take up to 10 business days to process and reflect in your Terps Application Portal checklist.

Q: Can I submit more than two letters of recommendation?

Yes. UMD requires two letters of recommendation for a completed application: one from your school counselor and one from a teacher. If you have additional letters of recommendation you would like to submit, please feel free to do so.

Q: Is UMD test-optional?

Yes. 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.

Q: Will UMD superscore my standardized test scores?

Yes, we superscore both the SAT and ACT. We use the highest subscores from the SAT and ACT in our review of your application, so it is to your benefit to submit all of your test scores.

Q: Is the writing portion of the SAT/ACT required? What about subject tests?

No, we do not require subject tests or scores from the writing sections of the SAT or ACT. Even if these scores are sent to us, they are not one of the 26 factors we review for admission.

Q: How do I know if my application materials have been received?

You can track your application status and confirm receipt of application materials online through the Terps Application Portal (TAP). Within two business days after submitting your application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to create a TAP account. It may take up to 10 business days for recently submitted materials to be listed as received on your checklist and it is your responsibility to confirm receipt of all required materials.

Q: I submitted my standardized test scores more than 10 business days ago, but it does not appear that UMD received them. Why is that?

Standardized test scores can take several weeks to process and be received by our office. Please confirm that the testing agency submitted your scores to the University of Maryland, College Park, using the SAT code 5814 or ACT code 1746. Applicants often send their scores to other institutions in the University System of Maryland by mistake.

If your scores were sent to the University of Maryland, College Park, confirm that the first, middle and last names indicated on your test are the same as those used on your application. Different spellings can result in scores not matching with application files.

If you have confirmed both of these details and still have questions, please email us at ApplyMaryland@umd.edu for assistance.

Q: If I submit new test scores and/or application materials after the deadline, will they be reviewed with the rest of my application?

Only materials received or postmarked by the deadline will be reviewed for admission. We cannot guarantee that new scores or materials received or postmarked after the deadline will be reviewed as part of your application.

Q: I made an error with my social security number. What should I do?

If you listed the incorrect social security number on your application, please email us at ApplyMaryland@umd.edu using the subject line "SSN Error" and include your full name, date of birth and a message regarding the mistake. Do not include your corrected number or a copy of your card in your email to our office. Once we receive your email, we will provide you with next steps for resolving this issue.

If you intend to apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it is important that you include your social security number on your application to ensure your FAFSA information is processed correctly. 

Q: My demographic information has changed since submitting my application. How can I correct this?

Please email us at ApplyMaryland@umd.edu using the subject line "App Demographic Info Changes". In the body of the email, please write your full name, date of birth and the high school you attend along with any demographic information that should be updated.

Q: How will I know when my admission decision is available for review?

You will receive an email notification when your admission decision is available to view within TAP. Follow the instructions listed in the email to view your admission decision online. For security purposes, we cannot provide admission decisions over the phone.

If you are offered admission to UMD, you will also receive a general welcome letter from our office in the mail a few days later.

Q: How do you evaluate college credit earned while in high school?

We are most interested in how you performed in your high school courses. Admission decisions will be based primarily on factors typically submitted in the application, although college credit may be used as one additional piece of information.

Q: What is the cost of tuition?

Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website to review the estimated tuition and fees for UMD.

Q: How do I apply for merit and need-based financial aid?

If you submit a completed application by the November 1 early action deadline, you will automatically be reviewed for all merit scholarships. No separate application is required.

If you plan to seek need-based financial aid, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which becomes available on October 1. You can submit your FAFSA prior to completing your UMD admission application. 

Q: When is the FAFSA deadline?

UMD's priority deadline for submitting the FAFSA is January 1. Our school code is 002103. We encourage you to review our additional information on filling out the FAFSA.

Q: Aside from merit scholarships and submitting the FAFSA, what are other options for financing my education?

There are various types of financial aid available at UMD which can be classified as either need-based, meaning you and your family are not able to cover education expenses, or non-need based, which generally refers to aid you receive based on merit or qualification. 

Q: How and when will I find out if I received financial aid or a scholarship?

For admitted freshman students who applied by the November 1 early action deadline, financial aid decisions will be released electronically by March 1. Students awarded a merit scholarship will receive an email notification by April 1. Admitted freshman students who applied by the January 20 regular deadline are not considered for merit scholarships but will be notified about financial aid decisions in early April.

Q: What are the residency requirements for in-state tuition?

In order to qualify for in-state tuition, you must prove that you (or your parent/guardian if you're a financially dependent student) are a financially contributing citizen of the state of Maryland and have been so for at least one full year (12 consecutive months). To demonstrate eligibility for Maryland residency, you must submit the residency questionnaire portion of the admission application. Residency can be determined by factors such as holding a Maryland driver’s license, paying Maryland taxes and proving that the primary reason for living in Maryland is not to attend the university.

Q: I was classified as an out-of-state applicant. Can this be corrected?

Please review our residency reclassification policy to determine eligibility. To request residency reconsideration, please email oua-residency@umd.edu and include your full name, date of birth and University ID (UID) in the body of the email. This process is strictly handled via email. Cases are reviewed on an individual basis and depending on the circumstances, can take considerable time to resolve as supporting documentation is often required. Our staff will let you know if/when documentation is needed as your residency is reviewed.

Q: I have a relative who is a veteran. Can these benefits be applied to my tuition costs?

You may be eligible to receive these benefits at UMD. Information regarding veteran benefits can be found on the Registrar website. 

We do not need proof of military service and other related documentation until after you are offered admission to the university.