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Application Requirements for Prospective Freshmen

The Admissions Committee weighs a number of factors in making its decision. In addition to grade point average and standardized test scores, the strength of your curriculum, class rank and other achievements as well as your essay will be considered. Reviewing the 2008 Freshman Class Profile in UMBC's Fast Facts may give you an idea of the kinds of students who are admitted to UMBC. UMBC expects applicants to have completed a strong college preparatory program of study from an accredited high school. The minimum program of study should include:

English: four years
Social Science/History: three years
Mathematics: three years
Science: three years
Language other than English: two years

Students planning to major in mathematics, engineering or science areas are strongly recommended to have completed four years of mathematics, including trigonometry, pre-calculus and/or calculus.

The SAT

In reviewing students' SAT scores, UMBC uses all three parts of this standardized exam. The university believes writing is a critical component of a student's undergraduate experience. UMBC continues to emphasize its importance both inside and outside of the classroom through program requirements, general education requirements, and such co-curricular activities as internships and undergraduate research experiences.

Students' writing scores are typically comparable in range to their critical reading and mathematics scores and consistent with their overall academic profile. The critical reading and mathematics components will continue to be key factors in our evaluation of applications, along with grade point average, strength of curriculum, and letters of recommendation.

In addition, UMBC considers your highest scores from each section across all SAT test dates that you submit. Only your highest scores will be considered as part of the final admissions decision. Therefore, UMBC strongly encourages you to submit your scores each time you take the SAT.

Candidates for freshman admission must submit the following:

  • A completed UMBC Undergraduate Admissions Application
    Apply Online | Download the PDF application
  • An essay (Instructions and topics may be found on the undergraduate admissions application.)
  • An official copy of your current high school transcript
  • A list of courses in progress (if not included on the high school transcript)
  • Official SAT scores forwarded to UMBC by the Educational Testing Service or official ACT scores sent by ACT. (The UMBC College Board code is 5835, and UMBC's ACT code is 1751.)
  • A letter of recommendation from a teacher (optional, but highly encouraged). Recommenders may use the UMBC Letter of Recommendation Form or submit a letter. A maximum of two recommendations, based upon the order in which they are received, will be reviewed in the evaluation process.
  • A $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • A final high school transcript upon completion of your senior year

  • UMBC welcomes home-schooled applicants. In addition to the above admissions materials, home-schooled applicants should submit curriculum vitae describing course content, instructional materials and an evaluation of the student’s work.

Additional Requirements for Visual and Performing Arts Majors

College Search Checklist

Application Timeline

Advanced Standing (AP/IB/College Coursework)

Early and Concurrent Enrollment

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

Freshmen
Fall Admission
Early Action: Nov. 1
Regular Decision: Feb. 1

Honors College
Jan. 15 - priority
Mar. 15 - final

Financial Aid
Priority for FAFSA: Feb. 14