The Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation encourages well-qualified students seeking a competitive academic environment to explore the many opportunities available at UMBC.
The Undergraduate Prospectus and Application for Admission, as well as other publications, are available online at undergraduate.umbc.edu or by contacting:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation UMBC 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250
410-455-2291, admissions@umbc.edu
Applying for Freshman Admission
The Admissions Committee weighs several factors in making its decisions. In addition to high school grade point average and SAT or ACT scores, the strength of the applicant’s curriculum, class rank and other achievements are considered. An essay is required and two letters of recommendation, based upon the order in which they are received, will be reviewed in the evaluation process.
For prospective freshmen, application for admission to UMBC consists of the following:
- Completion of the Common Application in its entirety (including the application essay)
- A $50 non-refundable application fee
- An official copy of the student’s current high school transcript
- Official SAT scores, reported to UMBC by the Educational Testing Service (UMBC’s CEEB code is 5835); students submitting ACT scores should have them sent by ACT (UMBC’s ACT code is 1751)
- A final high school transcript, to be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation by the high school upon graduation
Freshman Admission Application Deadlines
Fall admission:
- Early Action - November 1
- Regular Decision - February 1
Spring admission:
- Early Action - November 1
- Regular Decision - December 15
Early Action
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 Education 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. Students admitted through Early Action have until May 1 to confirm their enrollment.
High School Preparation
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
- Mathematics: four years
- Social science/history: three years
- Science: three years
- Foreign language: two years
Students planning to major in mathematics, engineering, computer science or other science areas are strongly recommended to have completed four years of mathematics, including trigonometry, pre-calculus and/or calculus.
Home-schooled Applicants
UMBC welcomes applications from students who have been home-schooled. In addition to standardized test scores, an essay and other admission credentials, home-schooled applicants should submit transcripts, if available, curriculum vitae describing course content, instructional materials and an evaluation of the student’s work. The evaluation should describe course objectives and may include traditional letter or numerical grades or a narrative assessment of the applicant’s progress.
Early Enrollment
UMBC offers early-enrollment opportunities for academically advanced students who wish to begin their college careers early.
Early admission is available to those students who wish to enroll full time as degree-seeking students prior to high school graduation. Applicants typically exceed the university’s average freshman profile. A letter of recommendation and permission from the high school is also required. Applicants for early admission must interview with the Admissions Committee.
Concurrent enrollment is available for academically strong students who wish to enroll part-time while still in high school. Applicants typically exceed the university’s average freshman profile.
A letter of recommendation and permission from the high school is also required.
Applying for Transfer Admission
Transfer applicants are evaluated by the Admissions Committee on the basis of their academic record at their previous institution(s). Cumulative grade point average, strength of curriculum and performance on courses related to the applicant’s intended area of study are considered. Applicants must be in good standing at the institution from which they seek to transfer.
For prospective transfer students, application for admission to UMBC consists of the following:
- Completion of the Common Application in its entirety (including the application essay)
- A $50 non-refundable application fee
- Official college transcript(s) from each college or university previously attended. Transcripts should be sent by the registrar of each institution to the UMBC Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation. (A final transcript also should be sent upon the completion of any course work in progress).
Using your undergraduate admissions application materials all admitted students are considered for transfer scholarships. A separate application is not required.
For applicants with fewer than 30 college credits, an official high school transcript and SAT or ACT test score report is required.
Transfer Credit Policies
“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. To help accomplish this, Maryland’s public colleges and universities follow certain statewide policies.” For detailed information please review the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) Transfer Policies and Student Guide to Transfer among Maryland Colleges and Universities.
Specific to UMBC, the Policy on the Awarding of Undergraduate Transfer Credit articulates the standards for the assessment and awarding of undergraduate transfer credit including academic credit for coursework earned at other institutions, competency-based education, and military training, experience, education and coursework.
Transfer Admission Application Deadlines
Fall admission:
- Priority - March 1 (for scholarship consideration)
- Regular - May 31
Spring admission:
- Priority - October 15 (for scholarship consideration)
- Regular - December 1
The Universities at Shady Grove
UMBC offers the final two years of study for the bachelor of arts in history, political science, psychology, and social work at the Shady Grove Center in Rockville, MD. Students must complete the lower-level course requirements at a local community college. Applicants for the Shady Grove programs are evaluated on the basis of their academic record at previous institutions, including cumulative grade point average, academic performance trend, strength of curriculum and performance in courses related to the intended area of study.
For additional information or application, contact the UMBC-Shady Grove Program Coordinator at shadygrove@umbc.edu, visit www.umbc.edu/shadygrove or call the UMBC-Shady Grove at 301-738-6081.
Maryland Community College Recommended Transfer Programs
The Recommended Transfer Programs (RTP) 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 Recommended Transfer Program Guide are assured transfer with no loss of credit. These program guides are available in the transfer advisors’ offices at all Maryland community colleges or via the web at ARTSYS. More information can also be found through the Maryland TransPort web site.
International Student Admission
For prospective international students, who are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents, application for admission to UMBC consists of the following:
- A completed UMBC Undergraduate Admissions Application (Apply Online | Download the PDF application)
- An essay
- An official or attested copy of your current high school transcript/academic record including an English translation, if necessary
- Official certificates of completion of state/national secondary school examinations
- Official test scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- For scholarship consideration, 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 the UMBC ACT code is 1751)
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee (check or money order payable to UMBC drawn on a U.S. Bank)
- A final transcript/leaving certificate upon completion
- Students interested in majoring in the visual and performing arts have additional admission requirements
Students who have attended college or university outside the United States must have a course-by-course credential evaluation prepared by:
AACRAO
Foreign Credentials Evaluation Service,
One Dupont Circle, N.W.,
Suite 520, Washington, D.C. 20036-1135
http://ies.aacrao.org
To facilitate consideration, documents in languages other than English should be accompanied by an English translation. Translations must be as literal as possible with no attempt to convert information to the U.S. educational system.
In addition to the application procedures outlined above, students who will need an F-1 visa will need to submit the following:
- A Statement of Financial Support (Download the PDF form) signed by the student’s sponsor, certifying that the sponsor will be responsible for the student’s expenses while enrolled at UMBC
- A bank statement, documenting sufficient funds of at least US $36,000
- 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. Students in the process of changing from one visa category to another should provie copies of all documentation that has been submitted to and received from the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Service)
- Copy of passport
International Admission Application Deadlines
International students are strongly encouraged to apply at least six (6) months prior to their intended enrollment date. The timeline below is meant to give applicants a general idea of the steps and timing involved in the application process. Applicants are always welcome to contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation with questions.
- Application is received by UMBC Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation
- Email is sent to applicant acknowledging receipt of application packet by Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation. Missing information is requested (approximately 2-3 weeks after receipt)
- Complete application packet is reviewed by UMBC Admissions Committee (approximately 4-6 weeks after receipt). Additional information may be requested of the applicant at this point
- Applicant is notified of the admissions decision (approximately 6-8 weeks after application becomes complete). Applicants are welcome to contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation with questions.
- Applicants for the visual and performing arts programs will be notified by the departments regarding their status in the program upon review of portfolio and/or completion of audition.
English Proficiency
You should be able to read, speak, write and understand English fluently. Unless otherwise notified, all non-native English speakers will have to submit an official record of TOEFL or IELTS tests of English proficiency prior to admission.
TOFEL examination dates and information may be obtained through the TOEFL website. Results will be reported to UMBC by indicating UMBC R-5835 on the exam form.
If your TOEFL score falls below 48 (internet-based), 460 (paper-based), and/or your IELTS score falls below 5, you should consider full-time enrollment in the English Language Institute (ELI). The ELI offers a variety of academic and professional English language learning programs in a cross-cultural setting to professionals and students who have a wide range of learning goals. Students who need intensive English language development should apply directly to the ELI for full-time English language study. ELI students have access to all student services: health services, residential life, dining halls, the Women’s Center, the Learning Resource Center and many more. ELI courses, activities and advising help students become self-confident communicators both within the university and U.S. society. Please contact the ELI for information and an application form:
E-mail: eli@umbc.edu
Web: www.umbc.edu/eli
Telephone: 410-455-2831
Fax: 410-455-1115
Sufficient Funding
International students are not eligible for federal, state or institutional financial aid programs, and cannot rely on employment while in the United States. Therefore, you must be able to provide documentation that you have a sufficient and continued source of funding (at least U.S. $36,000) from a parent, spouse, sponsor or yourself. International students may find information about sources for assistance at www.isoa.org.
If you plan to obtain a student (F-1) visa you must submit:
- A notarized letter (you may use the form provided) from your parents or financial sponsor to the effect that he or she is willing and able to provide U.S.$36,000 for each year of study; and
- A notarized bank statement that verifies that the individual(s) providing your support has the U.S. $36,000 on deposit.
Non-degree Seeking Student Admission
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. International students on F-1 visas are not eligible for admission as special students unless they have permission from their host institution or are on practical training.
The Non-degree Seeking (Special) Student Application for Admission to UMBC consists of the following:
- Completion of the Special/Non-degree Seeking Student Application
- A $50 non-refundable application fee
- College transcript(s) from each college or university previous attended. (Unofficial records will be considered.)
Visiting students are students who wish to enroll at UMBC for only one term, such as the summer or winter session.
While transcripts are not required for visiting student admission, some instructors may request an unofficial transcript if the course has pre- or co-requisite requirements.
Change of Status to Degree-seeking
Once admitted as a non-degree seeking (special) student, students may be considered for degree-seeking status for a subsequent semester. An undergraduate application for degree-seeking status and official credentials must be submitted by the application deadline for freshmen and transfer student admission.
Golden ID Program
The Golden ID Program permits eligible Maryland residents to enroll in UMBC undergraduate and graduate courses at little cost. Refer to “Tuition and Fees” section of the catalog for specific fees applicable to the Golden ID program. Applicants must be 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 (special) students. Applications must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation by the regular deadlines for each semester. Registration for courses is on a space-available basis.
Readmission and Reinstatement of Former UMBC Students
Readmission
Students previously enrolled at UMBC as undergraduates who have interrupted continuous registration for two or more consecutive 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 (other than current term transcripts) is two business days before the start of the term. Students are encouraged to apply early. Official transcripts from any institution attended since last enrolled at UMBC must be submitted.
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. All applications for reinstatement must be submitted by the stated reinstatement deadlines and are subject to Academic Actions and Reinstatement Committee review.
When applying for reinstatement, applicants must submit an academic plan of action, which must be completed with the academic advisor’s assistance. Official transcripts also are required from all institutions attended since leaving UMBC.
In case 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. Any university debts must be settled before registering for class.
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. Suspended students who have been away from UMBC for at least one semester may submit an application for reinstatement and should do so by the published deadline for maximum consideration by the Academic Actions and Reinstatement Committee.
Compliance Statement
In compliance with the Student-Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions will provide information regarding UMBC’s graduation statistics, campus security policies, and crime statistics upon request.
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