Navigating UMBC Admissions: A Comprehensive Guide
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is a public research university celebrated for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education. Situated in Baltimore, Maryland, UMBC distinguishes itself with a strong emphasis on STEM fields, cybersecurity, and social sciences. Known for its dedication to diversity, inclusivity, and student success, UMBC offers an enriching and challenging environment for all students. This article delves into the essential aspects of UMBC's undergraduate admissions requirements, providing a detailed overview for prospective students.
Holistic Review Process
The UMBC Admissions Committee employs a holistic review process, carefully evaluating each applicant based on a multitude of factors. This approach goes beyond mere academic metrics, considering the applicant's unique experiences, achievements, and potential contributions to the UMBC community.
Academic Performance
A strong academic record is a fundamental component of the application. The Admissions Committee thoroughly assesses:
- High School Grade Point Average (GPA): GPA is a very important academic factor. A high GPA is essential to demonstrate academic proficiency. The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. requires you to be at the top of your class. You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 4.13, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate.
- Strength of Curriculum: UMBC expects applicants to have completed a strong college preparatory program of study from an accredited high school. The rigor and relevance of the applicant's coursework are carefully considered.
- Class Rank: The applicant's position within their graduating class provides context for their academic performance.
- Academic Trend: The Admissions Committee reviews areas within the applicant’s academic record including grades in all college-level coursework (especially in intended major courses), overall GPA, strength of curriculum, and academic trend as well as extracurricular involvement, and the Common App essay to determine admissibility.
Standardized Tests: Optional Submission
UMBC has adopted a test-optional policy. Official SAT scores, reported to UMBC by the College Board (UMBC’s CEEB code is 5835); students submitting ACT scores should have them sent by ACT (UMBC’s ACT code is 1751).
- SAT: UMBC’s 25th - 75th percentile test score range is 1240 - 1420. UMBC considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.
- ACT: Half the applicants admitted to UMBC who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1240 and 1420 or an ACT score of 25 and 31. The average ACT score at UMBC is 28. The 25th percentile ACT score is 25, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 31. UMBC considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.
Essay
An essay is required as part of the application. Be sure to plan and write your essay. The Common App essay is also reviewed to determine admissibility.
Read also: Comprehensive Breakdown of UMBC Tuition
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are optional and reviewed in the evaluation process. Students may submit more than two letters of recommendation but only the first two letters received will be reviewed.
Extracurricular Activities and Achievements
Beyond academics, UMBC values well-rounded individuals who demonstrate involvement and leadership in extracurricular activities.
Application Options and Deadlines
UMBC offers several application options to accommodate different student needs and timelines.
Early Action Program
UMBC’s Early Action Program provides an opportunity for strong candidates to receive full consideration for admission, scholarship, and financial aid. In addition, the Early Action Program allows students interested in UMBC’s various scholars programs (Center for Women in Technology, Cyber, Humanities, Linehan Artist, Meyerhoff, Sherman Teacher, and Sondheim Public Affairs) a chance to explore these opportunities fully, as well as the Honors College and other programs and majors with selective admission requirements. Early Action applicants will be given priority notification of their admission decision. Early Action is a non-binding application program.
Regular Decision
The application deadline at University of Maryland Baltimore County is Feb. 1.
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Special Admission Scenarios
UMBC provides pathways for students with unique academic backgrounds or circumstances.
Home-Schooled Applicants
UMBC welcomes applications from students who have been home-schooled. Applicants should submit transcripts, if available, curriculum vitae describing course content, instructional materials, and an evaluation of the student’s work in addition to the admission application, essay, and optional test scores.
Early Admission
Early admission is available to those students who have exhausted their high school options and would like to enroll full-time as degree-seeking students. Applicants must meet the university’s regular admission requirements and may need to interview with a member of the Admissions Committee.
Concurrent Enrollment
Concurrent enrollment is available for academically strong students who wish to enroll part-time while still attending high school. Applicants typically exceed the university’s average first year student profile.
Transfer Students
Transfer applicants are evaluated by the Admissions Committee on the basis of their academic record at their previous institution(s). Cumulative grade point average, the strength of the curriculum, and performance in courses related to the applicant’s intended area of study are considered. Official college transcript(s) from each college or university previously attended. Admissions materials for all admitted students will be used for transfer merit scholarship consideration, with priority given to students who meet the Priority deadlines for their intended start term at UMBC.
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Transferring from Maryland Community Colleges
In Maryland, a student may be able to progress from one segment of the public higher education system to another without loss of time or duplication of courses. UMBC offers the final two years of study for the Computer Science, B.S., History, B.A., Mechanical Engineering, B.S., Political Science, B.A., Psychology, B.A., Social Work, B.A., and Translational Life Science Technology, B.S. at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, MD. Students must complete the lower-level course requirements prior to their studies at UMBC - Shady Grove. The Program Transfer Guide (PTG) provides a list of community college courses that will best prepare students for UMBC’s course of study. Transfer students with acceptable grades in courses specified in the UMBC Program Transfer Guides are assured transfer with no loss of credit.
International Students
International students who are already attending a high school, university or English language school in the United States must also provide a copy of their current SEVIS I-20 and a copy of their I-94 verifying their current visa. Incoming students should be able to read, speak, write, and understand English fluently. International students are not eligible for federal, state, or institutional financial aid programs, and cannot rely on employment while in the United States. Therefore, the student must be able to provide documentation that they have a sufficient and continued source of funding from a parent, spouse, sponsor, or themself. Will you need a non-immigrant visa to study and live in the United States? If so, learn more about what it means to be an international student at UMBC!
Non-Degree Students
Non-degree students are individuals who intend on taking courses over multiple terms but do not intend to seek a particular degree. Non-degree seeking students are ineligible for financial aid or Veterans Administration (VA) benefits. Once admitted as a non-degree seeking student, students may be considered for degree-seeking status for a subsequent semester. You want to take a class or classes for personal growth or take a course and transfer the credits to your home institution.
Golden ID Program
The Golden ID Program permits eligible Maryland residents to enroll in UMBC undergraduate and graduate courses at lower cost. Specific fees applicable to the Golden ID program are available on the Tuition and Fees page. Applicants must be eligible Maryland residents who are 60 years of age or older and must be retired or working no more than 20 hours a week. Program participants may enroll as degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking students. The USM Tuition Waiver for Senior Citizens policy limits waiver of tuition for no more than 3 courses per semester.
Readmission
Students previously enrolled at UMBC as degree-seeking undergraduates who have interrupted continuous registration for two or more regular semesters must apply for readmission. Students must have been in good academic standing at the end of the last semester attended. The deadline for submitting a readmission application and all related material is two weeks before the start of the term. Students are encouraged to apply early, and all university debts must be settled by the appropriate deadlines. You completed coursework at UMBC as a degree-seeking undergraduate but your studies at UMBC were interrupted for two or more regular semesters.
Reinstatement
Students who were not in good academic standing or who were academically suspended or dismissed at the end of the last semester enrolled at UMBC must apply for reinstatement. When applying for reinstatement, applicants must submit an academic plan of action, which must be completed with the academic advisor’s assistance. In cases of suspension or dismissal, it is the Academic Actions and Reinstatement Committee’s expectation that successful academic work completed elsewhere subsequent to suspension from UMBC will be presented for consideration. Additional pertinent information may be submitted at the applicant’s discretion, such as medical documents and letters of recommendation. If suspended at the end of the fall semester, students may attend the winter session without applying for reinstatement but are ineligible to attend UMBC in the spring semester. Similarly, if suspended at the end of the spring semester, students may attend the summer session immediately following without applying for reinstatement but are ineligible to attend UMBC in the fall semester.
Additional Information
Meningococcal Disease Vaccination
Meningococcal disease refers to any illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These illnesses are often severe, can be deadly, and include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best protection against meningococcal disease. Vaccination can be obtained at one’s primary care provider, many pharmacies, urgent care centers, health department clinics and Retriever Integrated Health.
Application Submission
Your first stop is the Common App. Transcripts must be submitted to us directly from your school. Counselors may send us your transcripts electronically through the Common App School Report or other digital transcript sending services. The UMBC College Board code is 5835, and UMBC’s ACT code is 175.
Why Choose UMBC?
UMBC offers over 60 undergraduate majors. We’re known for being innovative, so you’ll get the best of what private institutions might offer without the hefty price tag. Learn how and when to apply-all the necessary steps to guide you through the application process. We offer 100+ areas of study, from the arts and humanities to STEM majors-and often crossing disciplines in creative ways. Get to know us and our campus and see what it’s like to be a Retriever!
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