How to Get Into University of Maryland: Admissions Stats + Tips

What’s Covered:

• How Hard Is It to Get Into University of Maryland?
• Average Academic Profile of Accepted University of Maryland Students
• What is the University of Maryland Looking for?
• How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into the University of Maryland 

The University of Maryland is a public research university in College Park, Maryland. Founded in 1856, it is the largest university in the state as well as in the Washington metropolitan area, with more than 40,700 students and 12 schools and colleges. A leader in research, entrepreneurship, and innovation, UMD is known for its abundance of research opportunities for undergraduates. First year students have the chance to join the FIRE program, a faculty-mentored research experience that helps drive student research, develops career readiness, and equalizes opportunity. 

How Hard Is It to Get Into University of Maryland?

For the 2019–2020 admissions cycle, the University of Maryland received 32,211 applicants, of which 16,437 were accepted. This means that last year, UMD’s acceptance rate was 51%, making it an unselective school. UMD does not have a binding early decision application option, but it does have a non-binding early action option.  

Want to get a better idea of your personal chances of admission into the University of Maryland? Our free chancing calculator can help you better understand your chances of acceptance into any college. By taking into account multiple elements of your profile, including your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and more, we’ll estimate your odds of acceptance, and give you tips on improving your profile! 

Average Academic Profile of Accepted University of Maryland Students

GPA

The average high school GPA of UMD’s Class of 2024 was 4.36. 93.6% had a GPA of 4.0. 1.4% had a GPA below 3.0.  

Class Rank

Of the 40% of UMD’s class of 2024 who submitted class rank, 73% graduated in the top 10% of their high school class, and 89% graduated in the top 25%. 98% graduated in the top half. 

SAT/ACT

While standardized test scores are normally required for applicants, University of Maryland is test-optional for students applying for the Spring or Fall semesters of 2022 and 2023. Of the students who enrolled in Fall 2020, the top 25% of students scored above a 1460 on the SAT, with the average student scoring 1375. For the students who submitted ACT scores, the top 25% scored above a 34, with the average student scoring a 32. 

What is the University of Maryland Looking for?

University of Maryland uses a holistic process to evaluate applications. The school’s thorough review process considers 26 factors, including progression of performance, socio-economic background, written expression of ideas, learning differences, and many more. 

If you are considering applying to UMD, it will be useful to know that some majors are Limited Enrollment Majors: majors with limited space which are more competitive. UMD will ask you to list your preferred majors in your application. However, UMD is major-blind; you will be reviewed for admissibility to the university and then, if needed, for admission to their major of choice. 

How the University of Maryland Evaluates Applications

According to their 2020-2021 Common Data Set, the University of Maryland considers the following factors “very important”:

• Course rigor
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores

These factors are “important”:

• Class rank
• Application essay
• Recommendation letters
• Talent/ability
• First generation
• State residency 

These are “considered”:

• Extracurricular activities
• Character/personal qualities
• Alumni/ae relation
• Geographical residence
• Racial/ethnic status
• Volunteer work
• Work experience 

And these are “not considered”:

• Religious affiliation/commitment
• Interview
• Level of applicant’s interest 

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into the University of Maryland 

1. Aim for all A’s while taking the most challenging classes available

As the average GPA of enrolled UMD students last year was a 4.36, in order to be a competitive candidate, you should aim to get all A’s. Though a 4.36 GPA may be intimidating, many of these students are likely taking advanced honors, AP, or IB classes, which gives them a weighted GPA. To show that you have challenged yourself, try to take honors, AP, or IB classes. 

If your GPA is lower, and you’re still a freshman or sophomore in your high school, check out our tips for increasing your GPA. If you’re a junior or senior, it will be harder to increase your GPA, so the easiest way to increase your Academic Index is to get a higher test score.

2. Report your SAT scores if above 1460, and ACT if above 34

While standardized test scores are optional for students applying for 2022 and 2023 enrollment, University of Maryland will still consider your test scores if you submit them. For the next two years, students who do not submit test scores will not be at a disadvantage from those who do. That being said, a high standardized test score is a valuable way to display your academic aptitude in addition to your transcript. If you do take the SAT or ACT and score in the 75th percentile of UMD students, which is a 1460 on the SAT or a 34 on the ACT, reporting your scores will likely give you a boost.

To improve your SAT/ACT score, check out these free CollegeVine resources:

• How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
• How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
• More SAT Info and Tips
• More ACT Info and Tips

3. Highlight your academic talents and abilities and out-of-classroom achievements  

The University of Maryland has a history of fostering trailblazers, and today is still a national research powerhouse. While UMD will want to see your extracurricular activities, it is most prominently interested in accomplishments that demonstrate particular academic talents and abilities, and how you have applied your skills outside of the classroom. If you are a senior, highlight any awards or recognition you’ve earned, research you’ve done alongside a high school teacher or family member, as well as any notable leadership positions. If you’re a junior, sophomore, or freshman, continue working on pursuing any intellectual interests you have, and aim to win local or regional awards or recognition.  

4. Ask the right teachers for recommendation letters

UMD requires two letters of recommendation: one from a teacher, and one letter from a school counselor. Letters of recommendation should come from teachers who know you the best and who can speak positively of your character and abilities. Your letters of recommendation will show admissions officers what kind of student and peer you are. Take some time to think about which teacher will write you the most promising recommendation letter, and take a look at tips from CollegeVine to help guide you through the process. 

5. Apply early action 

Though the University of Maryland doesn’t have early decision, it encourages students to apply early action. Students who apply by the early action November 1 deadline receive priority consideration for admission, merit-based scholarships, and special programs. Since your application won’t be binding, applying early action is a great way to get your foot in the door early. 

How to Apply to the University of Maryland 

Deadlines

Planning on applying to UMD? Here are some dates to keep in mind for the 2021–2022 application cycle for first-year students applying for fall enrollment. 

Application Requirements

The University of Maryland accepts applications through the Common Application and the Coalition Application. To apply, you will need the following materials:

• All parts of your Common or Coalition Application, including the essay and non-refundable application fee (option to request fee waiver) 
• Official high school transcript
• Two letters of recommendation (one from a counselor and one from a teacher) 
• SAT or ACT scores (optional for 2022 and 2023 enrollment)
• Extracurricular activities list (including any awards, work experience, research opportunities, or family involvement) 
• School of Music application (for applicants to the School of Music only) 

Learn more about the University of Maryland 

What does it cost to attend The University of Maryland, College Park?

How to Write the University of Maryland College Park Essays 2021-2022

Student Life at Big 10 Schools: What It’s Really Like