High School
To be considered a transfer applicant, you must have graduated high school or have completion of high school equivalency.
Transfer Applicants
Transfer students play a pivotal role at the University of Maryland (UMD), where they bring unique perspectives from their college studies as well as a diversity of backgrounds, geographic origins and personal experiences. Apply to UMD as a transfer student using ApplyWeb.
Home
Transfer Applicants
TRANSFER TO UMD
Apply as a transfer student if you are a high school graduate who has completed at least 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours after high school graduation at a regionally accredited college or university.
Below you will find information on transfer application requirements and deadlines, a complete list of required application materials and more.
Applicant Requirements
Admission to UMD is competitive and the number of students seeking admission exceeds the number who can be accommodated. Admission is based on the overall strength of the student's academic performance and is assessed through a holistic review. In accordance with the Maryland Higher Education Commission and Board of Regents transfer policies, certain applicants from Maryland public institutions are given special consideration and are admitted when space is available.
The university expects you, at a minimum, to meet the following requirements:
College Credits
You must complete at least 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours at a regionally accredited college or university. (AP/IB credits or placement tests cannot be used toward this requirement.)
If you are in progress of completing 12 credits, please email us prior to submitting an application for guidance on how to complete your application. Email ApplyMaryland@umd.edu with the subject line "12 Credits In-Progress Transfer Applicant".
College Courses
You are expected to have completed English Composition (the equivalent of UMD’s ENGL 101 course) and college-level mathematics (the equivalent of UMD’s Math 107 course or equivalent to the general education fundamental mathematics requirement).
Choosing a Major
Whether you know exactly what you want to study or are still figuring it out, we encourage you to explore UMD's academic programs. As you explore you may see that some of our majors are considered Limited Enrollment Programs (LEP). These programs have limited space and, therefore, have more competitive admission criteria.
On the UMD application, you'll select a preferred major. This information will not impact whether or not you are admissible to the university. If you selected an LEP, you will also be reviewed by the specific program to determine admission to your preferred major.
While most students are admitted to their preferred major, some LEP applicants may not be. Students who are undecided or undeclared (working on getting into an LEP) will work with Letters & Sciences advisors to explore their interests or complete LEP gateway requirements.
Benefits of Applying Early Action
We strongly encourage you to apply early action to receive priority consideration for admission and merit-based scholarships. Your application must be complete by the early action deadline in order to be reviewed. Applications that are not complete by the early action deadline will be considered for the regular application deadline.
fall Application Deadlines
March 1
Early Action DeadlineJune 1
Regular Deadlinespring Application Deadlines
August 1
Early Action DeadlineNovember 15
Regular Deadline
Application Platform
Transfer students can apply to UMD using the ApplyWeb platform. We encourage you to reference our frequently asked questions if you need help completing the UMD application, especially parts that focus on high school information.
Application Checklist
Utilize our application checklist to ensure you're submitting all required transfer application materials.
Step 1
Completed online application
The transfer application can be submitted online via the ApplyWeb.
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. Please use our transfer student essay prompt.
Activities and awards list or resume | Detail your efforts in the community, arts, leadership, athletics, family involvements, work experience and other extracurricular activities and hobbies in order of interest to you. This information can be submitted via the Activities/Experience section of the Profile or by uploading a separate document.
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.
Step 2
Official copy of your college transcripts
Each institution you've attended must submit an official copy of your college transcripts listing all courses you have attempted. A final official transcript from your current institution must be sent upon completion of any courses in progress. Learn how transcripts can be submitted on our Submitting Documents page.
If you have non-U.S. academic records for post-secondary work, please review our international applicant requirements as they might apply to you.
Step 3
Official copy of your high school transcripts (if necessary)
If you have completed fewer than 30 semester or 45 quarter hours post high school graduation, then at the time of applying you will need to request an official copy of your final high school transcript listing all courses you have completed. Learn how transcripts can be submitted on our Submitting Documents page.
AP/IB credits and placement tests cannot be used towards the overall 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours.
Step 4
Official standardized test scores (optional)
Traditionally, students who completed fewer than 30 semester or 45 quarter hours post high school graduation, would need to submit their SAT and/or ACT scores at the time of applying. However, UMD is currently test-optional through to the Spring and Fall 2025 application cycles, which means you have the option to choose whether or not you would like your test scores considered as a part of your application review. 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.
Step 5
Letter of recommendation (optional)
You may choose to submit a letter of recommendation with your application. Recommendations must be sent to us directly from the recommender, and they can be written by anyone of the applicant's choosing including teachers, counselors, coaches and mentors. Learn how recommendation letters can be submitted on our Submitting Documents page.
Step 6
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 the 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.
MAKING SURE YOUR UMD APPLICATION IS COMPLETE
Applications are considered complete when the online application and all required documents have been submitted electronically or postmarked by the appropriate deadline. It is your responsibility to confirm receipt of all materials.
Through your Terps Application Portal (TAP) account, you can:
- Track your application status.
- Confirm receipt of application materials.
- Receive your admission decision when it becomes available.
Keep in mind: It may take up to two weeks for recently submitted materials to be listed as received on your checklist.
Services for Transfer Students
Pre-Transfer Advising
Transfer students from two-year and four-year schools are encouraged to take advantage of Pre-Transfer Advising before applying to UMD. Pre-Transfer Advising will help assess your readiness to transfer and estimate your time to degree completion. You can also review 4-Year Plans for information about the major and graduation requirements for specific programs.
The advisors from your Maryland community college can work closely with pre-transfer advisors for issues related to transfer credits and major options. Pre-Transfer advisors help you determine how previous coursework will apply to your UMD degree, identify remaining general education and major requirements, and locate specific resources for additional assistance.
Transfer Credit Services
Transfer Credit Services facilitates the evaluation of credit for new students who have earned college credit or prior learning credits (such as AP, IB, A/AS level exams). They provide a course database to help students and advisors estimate what credits will transfer to UMD. A final determination will be made after being admitted to UMD and a review of your official college transcripts.
Maryland Transfer Advantage Program (MTAP)
MTAP provides a guaranteed admission pathway for students at participating community colleges to earn a bachelor’s degree at UMD. Students who participate in MTAP have access to transfer advising resources and can take discounted courses at UMD before officially transferring.
Resources
Application FAQs
If questions come up as you're filling out the UMD application, be sure to reference our frequently asked questions. We've gathered answers about the application platforms, required materials, what to do after you've applied, and more.
Submitting Documents
Find details on the best way to submit all of your required application materials.
Admission Review Process & Factors
Familiarize yourself with our holistic review process and the many factors we consider when reviewing applications.
