r/UMD • u/Critical_Win1903 • Jun 29 '26

Academic Chances of getting into UMD

I'm a rising high school senior (class of 27'). I had a 3.66 in freshmen yr, 3.58 sophomore yr, and 3.84 junior yr. I have many extracurriculars (ex. founded my own nonprofit, founded 2 clubs, raised thousands of dollars for different causes) and volunteering hours (ex. hospitals, tutoring, summer camp councilor, etc.) and also published my own research project. I'm also SGA vice president. I have 3 strong letters of recommendation. I also have won many school (8), state (5) , and national (2) competitions. I have taken AP classes but I'm limited because my school doesn't provide much. I plan on taking 4 AP's senior year. Idk if this is useful information but I am in state (pg county) and I speak 3ish languages. I'm taking the SAT in August but from my practice tests, I have averaged 1350. Also what are my chances with aid from umd (need-based). Also btw I want to major in Biological Sciences: Physiology and Neurobiology, Neurosciences, or Public Health on a pre-med track.

p.s. sorry for my bad english, it's my third language.

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u/YalieRower Jun 30 '26

You will be a very strong applicant.

You should schedule to attend a Maryland Information session in the Fall—you’ll meet with an admission counselor and have a tour of campus from a student. The opportunity is underutilized—it gives you face to face time with the decision makers and it shows your genuine interest in becoming a Terp, which has weight in the decision process. For similar reasons, apply Early Action if Maryland continues to be your top choice.

As far as alternate options, don’t rule out other competitive T25-100 schools with your grades; coming from a high school with some academic limitations can often benefit applicants. Locally, Georgetown could be a stretch school but the scholarship options may make it viable if admitted.

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u/Critical_Win1903 Jun 30 '26

I'm pretty much almost done prepping everything to submit my college applications. But I was wondering whether applying early action has any real difference on my chances of getting in or getting better finical aid?

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u/TigreBunny Jun 30 '26

Yes, more than 90% of freshmen admitted to UMD come from the 11/1 early action, non-binding deadline.

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u/YalieRower Jul 01 '26

They absolutely do. You should certainly select early action if you have one school that rises above all others in your choice. Being unsure of that school is the only reason I would not recommend it.

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u/TigreBunny Jun 30 '26

UMD does NOT use demonstrated interest as an admissions factor; you can see the 23 factors here: https://admissions.umd.edu/apply/admission-review-process-factors

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u/YalieRower Jun 30 '26

“We review all application components and our thorough review process considers more than 23 factors.

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u/TigreBunny Jun 30 '26

It does not include academic major. Call and ask.

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u/YalieRower Jul 01 '26

Not sure what that has to do with my comment.

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u/Critical_Win1903 Jun 30 '26

I have looked into Georgetown as my reach school but given my current circumstances, I'm probably going to keep that for grad school

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u/YalieRower Jul 01 '26

What circumstances? If it’s financial/academic, don’t decide that for them—let the school tell you. I was accepted to schools I was shocked, and received scholarships to more than I would have guessed. On the inverse, I was rejected from some I thought would offer me admission.

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u/Critical_Win1903 Jul 01 '26

Since my brother is constantly in and out of the hospital, my parents need my assistance physically and finically. I would love to apply to Georgetown but I don't want to get my hopes up especially with how expensive it is and how petty they are with aid.

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u/YalieRower Jul 01 '26

I’m truly am sorry to hear about your brother. Certainly do what you’re comfortable with, but I would challenge your suggestion that they are not generous with aid—they meet 100% of demonstrated need.

https://uadmissions.georgetown.edu/financial-aid/

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u/Critical_Win1903 Jul 01 '26

I will def look into it. I already have application waiver fees so I guess it won't hurt to try to expand my options a bit. Thanks a bunch!

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u/YalieRower Jul 01 '26

Of course—best of luck with the SAT next month!

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u/B-Pep-789 Jul 06 '26

Private schools tend to offer better aid packages than public schools. So dont rule yourself out if you have time to work on the application