Transfer Application FAQs

Q: How can I apply to UMD?

Transfer students applying to UMD can do so using StandOut Admissions Network. 

Q: Is UMD test-optional?

Yes. In recognition of the ongoing COVID-19 impacts on our 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. Additional information can be found on our Future Terps Updates page.

Within two business days after submitting their application for admission, students will be emailed a link to a brief online form. One of the questions on this form will ask whether the student is submitting official SAT/ACT scores to be used in the evaluation of their application for admission. Additional information can be found on our Future Terps Updates page.

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

Please refer to our essay questions page for the transfer application essay prompt.

Q: When is the application deadline?

The transfer early action deadlines are March 1 for fall admission and August 1 for spring admission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by either of those deadlines, as they will receive priority consideration for admission to the university and merit-based scholarships. A complete listing of application deadlines is available on our Deadlines page.

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

The early action deadlines are non-binding. Admitted students have 30 days from the date listed on their admission decision letter to confirm their 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 are strongly encouraged to submit a completed application and all required materials by the regular deadline which is June 1 for fall admission and November 15 for spring admission. 

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 makes me a competitive transfer applicant?

Our most successful admitted students have completed an English composition course that satisfies the university’s fundamental studies academic writing requirement and a college-level math course that satisfies the university’s fundamental studies math requirement. Recent admitted transfer profile information can be found on our About UMD page.

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, record videos, 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 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 and select "add to list". Once added, you will be asked if you would like to opt-in to sharing your contact information with UMD. 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 students to invite their academic advisors, teachers and mentors to review documents prior to submitting them as part of their application. UMD admissions staff do not have access to a student's 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: My demographic information has changed since submitting the StandOut Admissions Network application. How can I correct this?

Please email us at ApplyMaryland@umd.edu using the subject line "Applicant Demographic 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: 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 admissions decision.

Q: How do I submit application documents like letters of recommendation and transcripts through the StandOut Admissions Network?

The StandOut Admissions Network application has free, built-in tools that allow you to request that letters of recommendation and transcripts be sent directly from teachers and counselors to your desired schools. You will be able to request and direct these items at any point in the application process, even after your application has been submitted. Once submitted by your teacher/counselor, the documents will appear in your Locker as received and you can include them when submitting your application, however, you cannot view or edit these items.

UMD will still accept application materials submitted through Naviance, Parchment and mail. For a list of acceptable submission methods, review our Submitting Documents page. Items submitted outside of the StandOut Admissions Network can take up to two weeks to process and reflect in the Application Tracker.

Q: Is UMD test-optional?

Yes. In recognition of the ongoing COVID-19 impacts on our 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. 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. Please note that we will accept scores from the redesigned SAT, first administered in March 2016, but these scores will not be combined with scores from the old SAT.

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 answer the question in the StandOut Admissions Network profile that asks "Does my High School Rank?"

As a transfer applicant, this information is not needed for a complete application. For this reason, you should select "No" for this question. This will allow you to continue completing the profile. 

Q: Do I need to complete the 9th through 12th grade course list?

No. At the top of the page, there will be a box you can select that states I have finished adding my courses. Please select that box and you will be able to bypass the High School Course section of the StandOut Admissions Network profile. This should only be done in cases where the student applying is a transfer student. 

Q: In the High School Information section of the StandOut Admissions Network profile there is a question that asks for the student's High School Counselor's contact information. As a transfer applicant, is this section required?

Please list the name and email of a contact at your most recent college or university. This information is used as part of the profile but will not be used to contact the person listed. Letters of recommendation are not required for a transfer application but are required if you are applying for the Frederick Douglass Scholarship. If you would like to submit a letter of recommendation please have it sent directly to the address below:

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

When you indicate that you are applying to UMD in StandOut Admissions Network, you will have access to your Checklist, which tracks your progress toward completing UMD’s application. It can take up to two weeks for documents submitted outside of the platform to process and reflect in your Checklist.

Once you have submitted your application, you will see an in-platform pop up notifying you that your submission was successful. You will also receive an email from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions confirming that your application has been submitted. Neither of these notifications guarantee that the submitted application was complete.

It is the applicant's responsibility to confirm receipt of all materials listed on the application checklist. Applicants will not receive any individual notifications regarding missing documents. 

Q: I submitted my standardized test scores more than two weeks 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 sometimes 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 after you have confirmed both of these details you still have questions, please email us.

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

Only materials postmarked by the deadline will be reviewed for admission. We cannot guarantee that new scores or materials postmarked after the deadline will be reviewed as part of the 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 using the subject line SSN Error and we will provide you with next steps for resolving this issue. Do not include your corrected number or a card copy in your email to our office, but rather your full name and date of birth and then a message regarding the mistake.

Q: I have changes to my demographic information since submitting my application. How can I correct this?

Please email us using the subject line App Demo Changes. In the body of your 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?

We will send you an email to notify you when your admission decision is ready on the StandOut Admissions Network platform. Follow the instructions listed in the email to view your admission decision online. For security purposes, please note that we cannot reveal 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: I submitted a new online application, is there anything else I need to do?

Yes. Please email us using the subject line Re-Applying Transfer Student to request that any previously submitted, but still required, materials (such as transcripts and/or test scores) are matched with your new application. In your email, please include your first and last name and your date of birth, along with your request. Any new transcripts, test scores and other required materials must be submitted by the appropriate deadline.

Q: What materials do we keep? How do I know if more materials are needed?

We keep a record of test scores and transcripts you submitted for previous applications. You must submit any new transcripts and/or test scores that were not available when you last applied.

Q: I attended UMD in the past, or took a leave of absence, and now I would like to return to the university. What should I do?

If you are interested in returning to UMD after a period of dismissal or withdrawal, then you must complete a re-enrollment application. For more information about the re-enrollment process, please visit the Student Success Office website.

Q: I was denied in the past. What does that mean for my future application?

Students who previously applied and were not offered admission, must complete a new transfer application. This will require that new materials be submitted in order for the application to be reviewed.

Q: I was offered admission previously but declined and now I am re-applying to UMD. Will this hurt or strengthen my new application.

Students who previously declined an offer of admission to UMD, must complete a new application. The previously submitted application will have no bearing on the review of the new application.

Q: Does applying as a non-degree student (prior to applying as a degree-seeking student) increase my chances of being admitted?

No. We will complete a holistic review utilizing our 26 different factors when reviewing degree-seeking applicants.

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?

All students who apply by the March 1 early action deadline for fall semester admission are automatically reviewed for all merit scholarships. No separate application is required. Students seeking need-based financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Q: When is the FAFSA deadline?

The deadline to submit the FAFSA is January 1. The school code for the University of Maryland is 002103. We encourage you to review this additional information on filling out the FAFSA.

Q: Outside of merit scholarships and submitting the FAFSA, what other ways can I look into for financing my education?

To learn more about all of your financial aid options, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website.

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

Merit scholarship award notifications are released several weeks following each early action decision release. For fall admission early action applicants, notifications will be released by the end of May. For spring admission early action applicants, notifications will be released by early November. Students receiving scholarships will be notified via mail or email about their award. Some scholarships require an on-campus interview.

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

In order to qualify for in-state tuition, a student must prove that they (or the parent/guardian of a financially dependent applicant) is a financially contributing citizen of the state of Maryland and has been so for at least one full year (12 consecutive months). To demonstrate eligibility for Maryland residency, students 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. You may need to submit additional documentation to request residency reconsideration. Please email oua-residency@umd.edu if you are seeking to have your residency reclassified.

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 materials until after you are offered admission to the university.