Innovation and Research: An Introduction to the University of Maryland (Tips!)

Nicole Jobson, Director of College Advising at ICC, earned a B.S. in biology from the University of Maryland and remains an active alumna of her alma mater. In this week’s blog, Nicole shares with us her experience as a Terp and University of Maryland tips. 

Spending four years as an undergraduate student on the University of Maryland’s College Park campus was one of the most pivotal times in my life. When choosing a college home, prospective students should consider UMD’s robust academics, easy access to government and private-sector internships and jobs in nearby Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and the state of Maryland, as well as its position as a Big Ten powerhouse with 19 Division 1 sports.

Rankings and Recognition

This past week, my alma mater received its highest ranking to date from U.S. News and World Report‘s list of the top colleges. Under the leadership of President Dr. Darryll Pines, UMD has advanced to #17 overall among all public universities in the country! Many of the university’s most popular programs were also ranked highly.

Of public universities, the Robert Smith School of Business ranked #9, the Department of Computer Science ranked #11, and the Clarke School of Engineering came in at #9. While not the only, and certainly not the most important factor in college decision making, those rankings come on the heels of UMD being named by Forbes Magazine of one of the 10 public universities considered to be the newest “Public Ivies” or institutions that are “producing the hard-working high achievers that employers crave.” #GoTerps!

 Admissions Process

UMD has a firm Early Action November 1 deadline. All student materials, transcripts, and recommendations must be received by the Early Action deadline. Few students are admitted in the Regular Decision round, so I recommend that students prepare, complete, and submit their application in advance of the Early Action deadline.

UMD admission is holistic; students are evaluated on more than academic achievement and test scores. UMD will remain test optional until at least the Fall 2025 cycle. Students and families should be aware of UMD’s academic profile of admitted students.

Applications for Fall 2023: 59,499

Published Admit Rate: 45%

SAT/ACT Average: 1445/34

At UMD, prospective students are evaluated using 24 factors, including grades, recognition for special achievements, written expression, demonstrated leadership, and community involvement, among others.

UMD does not consider legacy status in admissions decisions. Maryland is the third state to ban legacy consideration in all public and private institutions.

Limited Enrollment Programs (LEPs)

• UMD offers several programs that have limited enrollment. Limited Enrollment Program (LEP) majors at UMD include business, biological sciences, communication, computer science, engineering, neuroscience, psychology, and more. When applying to one of these more competitive programs, students should choose their desired major, understanding that selecting an LEP major will not negatively impact their likelihood of admission to UMD. Once admitted to the university, your application is evaluated by the specific program to see if you are competitive for admission to that program in particular.

• For students interested in Computer Science, beginning Fall 2024, the ability to transfer into Computer Science has been restricted. This year, approximately 100 internal transfers may be approved, marking a significant difference from the nearly 1,000 annual internal transfers of years past.

• One reason for UMD’s popularity in Computer Science is that it is home to more than 4,300 undergraduates (1/4 of whom are women), making it one of the largest computer science programs in the country overall—and for women. These students specialize in cybersecurity, data science, machine learning and quantum information.

Notable Academic Initiatives

Artificial Intelligence

UMD’s newly established Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute is “a pioneering step in AI research and education,” according to President Pines. Students of all majors can take part in solving the important challenges through the Center for Machine Learning, Institute for Trustworthy AI in Law & Society (TRAILS), the Value-Centered AI Initiative, Social Data Science Center, and the Center for AI in Business. Dr. Pines hopes to make UMD the “Capital of Quantum.”

The Smith Experience

UMD students pursuing business degrees get to enjoy The Smith Experience, an experiential approach to learning about the business world. As Dean Konana stated, “To grow more meaningful alumni and corporate relationships,” the Smith School launched the Office of Experiential Learning this past year. Each year, companies like Deloitte and others host events “to increase the opportunities for our students to get real-world, practical learning.”

Pre-Health Programs

UMD offers top-notch pre-professional advising to students interested in pursuing careers as a physician, nurse, physical therapist, dentist, pharmacist, optometrist, podiatrist, or other health professions. Annually, more than 400 UMD undergraduates matriculate into medical school, making it among the top producers of medical school students in the U.S.

Living-Learning Communities

Thirty years ago, UMD pioneered the living-learning concept and continues to offer several signature first-year programs. For students who would like to conduct research, the First-Year Innovation & Research Experience (FIRE) offers multiple faculty-mentored research opportunities. UMD has also created a space for the international community where students can build their language skills in the Language House. And UMD’s robust Honors College consists of eight different living-learning programs, including Advanced Cybersecurity Experience for Students, Honors Global Challenges and Solutions, and Interdisciplinary Business Honors, among others. There is something for everyone!

Visiting and Exploring UMD

As a counselor, I always recommend that my students get to know the colleges on their list through virtual tours and information sessions, campus and website visits, attending local meetings with UMD representatives, and by speaking with current students and alumni. UMD offers several opportunities for students in different stages of their academic careers to learn more about the university. I think you’ll like what you find!

Discover Maryland – In this in-person event, which is scheduled for February 2025, high school sophomores and juniors and their families can tour campus and speak to admission officers and current students. Students may even want to rub Testudo’s nose for good luck! https://admissions.umd.edu/page/discovermaryland

Fall Open House – This October, high school juniors and seniors can explore what it’s like to #BeATerp! You can visit the dorms to get a sense of campus life. Most first year students live in traditional housing, such as LaPlata Hall. Suite-style apartments are available for juniors and seniors who choose to remain on campus.

The University of Maryland experience is one I believe all students should consider! Let me know if you have any questions about how to become a #Terp!

INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE COUSNELORS

While the college admissions process may seem daunting, you don’t have to go through it alone. The expert counselors at International College Counselors team of expert advisors includes former college admission officers, high school directors and counselors, and writing professionals with a combined 250+ years of experience helping students and families successfully navigate the college application journey. For personalized guidance, contact International College Counselors at 954-414-9986 or email us.