APPLY AS A FRESHMAN
If you are a high school student or a student with fewer than 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours of university-level credit beyond secondary school, you should apply as a freshman applicant.
Below you will find information on freshman application requirements and deadlines, a complete list of required application materials and more.
As prescribed by the Board of Regents, the university expects you, at a minimum, to have completed the following coursework by high school graduation.
The most competitive freshman applicants exceed these minimum requirements, earning a strong A-/B+ or better average in their high school coursework while taking several honors and/or Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses and additional academic electives.
Years of English
Years of foreign language
Years of history or social science
Years of science in at least 2 different areas
With at least 2 lab experiences
4 Years of math, including Algebra I, Geometry & Algebra II
If you complete Algebra II prior to your final year, you must complete the 4-year math requirement by taking a course that utilizes non-trivial algebra, such as Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus, Statistics, College Algebra.
Whether you know exactly what you want to study or are still figuring it out, we encourage you to explore UMD's academic programs. As you explore you may see that some of our majors are considered Limited Enrollment Programs (LEP). These programs have limited space and, therefore, have more competitive admission criteria.
On the UMD application, you'll select a preferred major. This information will not impact whether or not you are admissible to the university. If you selected an LEP, you will also be reviewed by the specific program to determine admission to your preferred major.
While most students are admitted to their preferred major, some LEP applicants may not be. Students who are undecided or undeclared (working on getting into an LEP) will work with Letters & Sciences advisors to explore their interests or complete LEP gateway requirements.
Benefits of Applying Early Action
We strongly encourage you to apply early action to receive priority consideration for admission, merit-based scholarships and invitations to special programs. UMD's November 1 early action deadline is non-binding and students who submit a completed application by this date will receive an admission decision by February 1. By applying for admission to the fall semester, you will also be automatically considered for admission to the spring semester.
Freshman students can apply to UMD using either of the following platforms:
The application platform you choose will not make a difference on how your application will be reviewed. Choose the platform you are comfortable using.
Utilize our application checklist to ensure you're submitting all required freshman application materials.
Before you get started, consider the following questions:
Completed online application
The freshman application can be submitted online via the Common App or ApplyWeb. The online application only needs to be submitted once, so choose the platform you are most comfortable using.
As part of the online application you will be required to submit a(n):
Essay | This is your opportunity to share your personality and experiences with the Admission Committee. Get inspired by one of our essay questions.
Activities and awards list or resume | Tell us how you spend your time outside the classroom! Please start by sharing the two experiences outside of academics 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).
Nonrefundable application fee of $75 | When submitting your application you will be required to pay a $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 submission for consideration. We cannot accept cash or check payments.
Two letters of recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required: one from your school counselor and one from a teacher. Recommendations must be sent to us directly from the recommender. Learn how recommendation letters can be submitted on our Submitting Documents page.
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. Learn how transcripts can be submitted on our Submitting Documents page.
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. Learn how transcripts can be submitted on our Submitting Documents page.
If you have non-U.S. academic records for post-secondary work, please review our international applicant requirements as they might apply to you.
Official standardized test scores (optional)
UMD is currently test-optional through to the Spring and Fall 2025 application cycles. Students can choose whether or not to submit SAT/ACT scores with their application. As part of the online application, you will be able to indicate your test-optional status. If you choose to include your test scores, learn how to submit them on our Submitting Documents 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.
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 an online application supplement and audition. These items 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.
Applications are considered complete when the online application and all required documents have been submitted electronically or postmarked by the appropriate deadline. It is your responsibility to confirm receipt of all materials.
To do so, you will need to create a Terps Application Portal (TAP) account. You'll receive an email with instructions on how to create a TAP account within two business days of submitting your online application.
Through your TAP account, you can:
Keep in mind: It may take up to 10 business days for recently submitted materials to be listed as received within TAP
If questions come up as you're filling out the UMD application, be sure to reference our frequently asked questions. We've gathered answers about the application platforms, required materials, what to do after you've applied, and more.
Find details on the best way to submit all of your required application materials.
Familiarize yourself with our holistic review process and the many factors we consider when reviewing applications.
