1. 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.
- 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.
2. 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.
3. OFFICIAL COPY OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS
Each institution you've attended must submit an official copy of your high school transcript(s) listing all courses internal results for grades 9-12. Transcripts must be sent in the native language, along with the certified English translation. Learn how transcripts can be submitted on our Submitting Documents page.
Where appropriate, include official results and certificates of completion from national secondary school examinations such as GCSE/GCE, CBSE national and regional, CXC/CSEC and WAEC. Stand alone exam results will not be accepted. Internal course results for grades 9-12 are required for the application. External exam results are not accepted in place of internal course results.
4. 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. Transcripts must be sent in the native language, along with the certified English translation. Learn how transcripts can be submitted on our Submitting Documents page.
UMD requires all students with non-U.S. academic credentials to submit a third-party academic evaluation for all post-secondary/university credentials from one of the two evaluators listed below (this is not required for secondary school academic records). Evaluations must be received by the appropriate deadline.
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) | Start the evaluation process with ECE by visiting their Education Reports page.
Requirements: course-by-course evaluation, original transcript(s) and a certified English translation of the transcript(s), grade point average calculation, upper division course designation.
- Josef Silny & Associates (JS&A) | Start the evaluation process with JS&A by using their application for evaluation form.
Requirements: course-by-course evaluation, original transcript(s) and a certified English translation of the transcript(s), grade point average calculation, upper division course designation for students with more than 1 year of post-secondary/university education completed.
5. 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.
6. PROOF OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
If you are applying as an International international applicant, you must provide the Office of Undergraduate Admissions with an official English proficiency test score by the appropriate deadline. We accept scores from the Duolingo English Test (DET), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Your test scores must be less than two years old and be sent directly by the testing agency. Your application will not be considered complete until your scores have been received.
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will consider all materials submitted in the application package to determine your level of English language proficiency. Proof of proficiency may be waived at the discretion of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Learn more about UMD's requirements and potential waivers on our English Language Proficiency page.
7. 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.
https://admissions.umd.edu/apply/international-applicants
