Special Admission Categories for Freshman Applicants
Concurrent Enrollment
Talented high school seniors have the opportunity to enroll at the University of Maryland for up to two courses, or seven credits, during the fall and spring semester. Students wishing to enroll during the summer preceding their junior or senior year may also apply as concurrent students. Successful applicants will have pursued a rigorous high school program and will have demonstrated exceptional performance and ability over time. To apply students must submit the completed application form and application fee, high school transcript, an essay explaining why they are interested in attending Maryland concurrently, a letter of recommendation from the high school, and a letter of permission from their parents or legal guardians. Concurrent students must live within commuting distance. For best consideration students should meet the following application deadlines:
Application Dates
Spring: January 2
Summer: May 1
Fall: August 1
Early Admit
Although the University of Maryland generally requires applicants to earn a high school diploma prior to their first full-time registration, the university will admit a limited number of well-qualified students without high school diplomas. Successful applicants pursue a rigorous high school program and demonstrate exceptional performance and ability achieved.
Students must be within two credits of high school graduation and have the commitment of the high school to award a diploma after successful completion of the freshman year at the University of Maryland.To apply, students must submit the completed application form and fee, high school transcript and SAT I and/or ACT scores, an essay explaining how they will benefit from attending Maryland before high school graduation, a letter of commitment from their high school and a letter of permission from their parents or legal guardians. Early admission students are eligible for on-campus housing,university scholarships based on academic achievement, and invitation to the Honors College, College Park Scholars and other special learning programs.
Early High School Graduation
Students who completed high school in less than four years and have been awarded a diploma may apply for freshman admission to the University of Maryland.
Golden ID Program
The University of Maryland participates in the Golden Identification Program, and makes available courses and various services to persons who are 60 years of age or older, who are legal residents of the State of Maryland and retired (not engaged in gainful employment for more than 20 hours per week). If admitted to the University, they register on a space-available basis for credit courses as regular or special students in any session, and pay an administrative fee for each semester registered.
Home Schooled Students
Students who are home schooled should provide a transcript complete with: course descriptions, books used, methods of evaluation, and the grades received (credit contracts). Home schooled applicants should meet the same minimum high school course requirements expected of all applicants. Additionally, students must submit SAT I and/or ACT scores. The results of these tests are strongly considered in the review of home schooled students’ applications. General information about the home schooling program or agency and a letter of recommendation from an academic professional as well as the home schooling teacher/parent should be included with the application. If college level courses have been taken simultaneously, an official college transcript should be included with the application. In addition, home schooled applicants should provide all application materials by November 1 for best consideration for the fall semester.
General Education Development (GED)
Students who did not graduate from a regionally accredited high school must submit results of the Tests of General Education Development. Students who earned a GED should provide academic letters or recommendation, an essay and SAT scores. Please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for further information.
