Discover all the amazing things waiting for you at the University of Maryland! Find out about campus fun, lots of different things to learn, and help for students from other countries. In this post we talk about International Students Admission to University of Maryland. Apply now to have a great time learning at one of the best universities in the U.S.!
An Overview of University of Maryland
The University of Maryland, College Park (also known as UMD or simply Maryland) is a big school in College Park, Maryland. It was started in 1856 and is the main school in the University System of Maryland. It’s the biggest university in Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area. There are 12 different schools and colleges at UMD, thus, offering more than 200 programs where you can get a degree. This also includes 113 majors for undergraduates, 107 master’s programs, and 83 doctoral programs. UMD is in a group called the Association of American Universities and also competes in sports as part of the Big Ten Conference.
Because it’s close to Washington, D.C., UMD does a lot of research with the government. Professors get money and help for their research from different agencies like NASA, the National Institutes of Health, and others. It’s considered a top research university and has been called a “Public Ivy.”
In 2016, UMD and the University of Maryland, Baltimore started working together more closely to make new medical, scientific, and educational programs. They also wanted to get more money for research and share faculty between the two campuses. According to the National Science Foundation, in 2021, UMD spent about $1.14 billion on research. And as of 2021, its yearly budget is around $2.2 billion.
See also: International Students Admission to University of Chicago
International Students Admission to University of Maryland
The University of Maryland (UMD) wants to bring in international students who have done well academically and show they can succeed at the university. Getting into UMD is tough because a lot of people want to go there. Usually, they accept students who have really good to excellent grades. Because there’s limited space and a lot of competition, international students should send in their applications as soon as possible, before the deadlines. They’ll only look at an application after they have all the required materials.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, you should apply as an international student.
Freshman Admission
If you’ve taken fewer than 12 college-level classes after high school, you’re considered a freshman applicant at UMD. Successful applicants show they’ve done well in a variety of subjects in high school, are good at English, and can afford the costs. Because there’s limited space, not all qualified students can get in.
For fall admission, the deadline is November 1, and for spring admission, it’s August 1. Your application is complete when you’ve filled out the online form and sent in all the required documents. Thus, including your English test scores. It’s best to finish everything by the early action deadline if you can.
See also: International Students Admission to Duke University
Transfer Admission
If you’ve finished high school and completed at least 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours at a college or university, you’re considered a transfer applicant at UMD. However, if you’ve done fewer than 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours, you’ll need to provide your high school records and SAT and/or ACT scores. Also, keep in mind that UMD is currently test optional until Fall 2025. Thus, meaning you can choose whether or not to submit those scores.
If you’ve attended more than one college or university, they’ll look at the average of all your grades. Your coursework must be from a regionally accredited school to count.
To be competitive, you need good grades in challenging classes, be good at English, and show you can pay for everything. But because there’s limited space, not everyone who could do well at UMD can get in.
For fall admission, apply by March 1, and for spring admission, apply by August 1. Make sure you’ve filled out the online form and sent in all the required documents by then. It’s a good idea to finish everything by the early action deadline if you can.
See also: International Students Admission to Brown University
Non-US Citizens Credentials for International Students Admission to University of Maryland
If you have academic records from outside the U.S., UMD needs some extra information from you. Depending on if you’re applying as a freshman or a transfer student, you might need to send in:
For high school:
- Official copies of your high school grades from each school you went to, in the original language and with an English translation.
- Official documents from any national exams you took, like GCSE/GCE, if applicable.
For college:
- Official copies of your college grades from each school you went to, in the original language and with an English translation.
- An evaluation of your academic records from an approved evaluator.
Check the International Application Checklist for more details on what exactly you need to send in, and make sure you use one of the approved evaluation services if needed.
See also: International Students Admission to Carleton College
English Proficiency Requirements for International Students Admission to University of Maryland
If English isn’t your first language and you want to apply to UMD, you need to prove you’re good at English by taking one of these tests and sending in your official score:
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
- International English Language Test System (IELTS)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
But even if you send in your scores, the admissions office will still look at all your application materials to decide how good your English is.
See also: International Students Admission to Oregon State University
Visa Requirements for International Students Admission to University of Maryland
For international students living outside the U.S., you’ll need a valid passport from your home country. Additionally, you’ll need a visa from the U.S. Consulate to enter the country. First, you have to be admitted to UMD and confirm you’re going to enroll. If you’ve shown you have enough money to pay for your studies, you’ll get a Certificate of Eligibility Form (I-20) to apply for an F-1 Visa. However, if you’re sponsored by a government agency or part of an exchange program, you might get a DS-2019 form for a J-1 visa instead.
If you’re already in the U.S. with an F-1 or J-1 status, you’ll need to submit copies of your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. As well as visa, and current I-20 or DS-2019 form, along with proof you can pay for school. If you’re on a different type of visa, you’ll also need to submit your I-94 and visa. In addition, let them know if you want to switch to an F-1 or J-1 status. After you’re admitted and show you can pay, you’ll get the right form (I-20 or DS-2019) from the university.
See also: International Students Admission to University of Kansas
International External Exams
UMD gives credit for certain Advanced Level (A-Level) or Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS-Level) exams taken through Cambridge International Exams (CIE) or other respected organizations. They might also consider other types of college-level exams for credit, but it depends on the specific circumstances.
Freshman Scholarships for International Students Admission to University of Maryland
Some of the brightest incoming students at the University of Maryland can get merit scholarships based on their academic achievements and potential to do well at the university. These scholarships are competitive and don’t depend on financial need.
If you apply by the early action deadline on November 1 and send in all the required documents, you’ll automatically be considered for these scholarships. You don’t need to fill out any extra forms. You can find out if you’ve been awarded a scholarship at a later date.
See also: International Students Admission to Stony Brook University
Scholarship Eligibility
To be considered for merit scholarships at the University of Maryland, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Submit your undergraduate admission application and all required materials by the November 1 early action deadline.
- Note that students admitted for the spring semester won’t be considered for merit scholarships.
- Some scholarships might require you to attend an interview before a final decision is made.
- Each scholarship may have its own specific eligibility requirements, which you can find in the sections below.
- You can find detailed policies for all merit scholarships on the Office of Student Financial Aid website.
Other important points to remember about UMD’s undergraduate merit scholarships:
- You can only receive one merit scholarship award through the admission process.
- Your scholarship decision is based on your academic and application information at the time of applying, not on any current or ongoing work.
- You can’t appeal your scholarship decision, and the university doesn’t match offers from other schools.
- If you’re offered a scholarship but don’t enroll at UMD, the scholarship money can’t be given to another student.
See also: International Students Admission to Amherst College
Banneker/key Scholarship
The Banneker/Key Scholarship is the top merit scholarship for incoming UMD freshmen. It can cover everything from tuition and fees to housing, food, and even books. Additionally, it includes admission to the Honors College. The selection committee looks for potential academic leaders who can add value to the campus community.
All freshman applicants admitted to the Honors College are automatically considered for the Banneker/Key Scholarship. You don’t need to submit extra materials. The committee reviews all early action deadline applications carefully. Also, semifinalists are invited for interviews in late February or early March as part of the final selection.
If you’re chosen as a Banneker/Key Semifinalist, you’ll receive your interview invitation by March 1. Additionally, you’ll find out your final scholarship amount by April 1.
See also: International Student Admission to Indiana University Bloomington
President Scholarship
The President’s Scholarship offers a four-year scholarship, which can range from $2,000 to $12,500 per year. It’s available for both in-state and out-of-state applicants. Recipients are chosen based on their academic performance, extracurricular activities, awards, honors, and an essay submitted as part of their admission application.
Students who are selected for this scholarship will be notified by April 1st.
See also: International Students Admission to Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Conclusion
In conclusion, the University of Maryland warmly welcomes international students to join our diverse community and embark on a transformative academic journey. With the comprehensive support services, vibrant campus life, and top-notch academic programs, they strive to empower every student to succeed and thrive in a globalized world. Apply now and become part of the Terp family!
See also: https://www.niche.com/colleges/university-of-maryland-college-park/