É«»¨ÌÃ

2025 Freshman Class 

Total Application Pool:

Applications: 22,123
Admitted: 16,736
Submitted enrollment contract: 3,243
Applied test-optional: 82%

Select Academic Statistics for Admitted Students:

Average weighted GPA: 3.91
Weighted GPA middle-50% range: 3.52-4.25
Middle-50% SAT score range: 1020-1320    
Middle-50% ACT composite score range: 24-30

Select Demographics of Enrolled Students:

Maryland resident: 88%
Non-Maryland resident: 12%, from 27 different states and 20 countries
Identify as a historically-underrepresented race or ethnicity: 69%
First-generation college student: 34%

What We Look For in Your Application

At É«»¨ÌÃ, we use a holistic review process to determine admission using the following factors:

• High school courses and academic performance (GPA)
• The level of rigor of your courses within the context of your high school 
• The trend of your high school academic performance
• Extracurricular involvement and leadership 
• Quality of your application essay 
• SAT / ACT scores if submitted 

High School Coursework and Context of GPA 

Whenever possible, we utilize both the unweighted and weighted GPAs as reported on your official high school transcript to determine your admission GPA. 

• We recalculate GPAs for high schools that utilize alternate grading scales or grading policies, taking into account the specific context and rigor of your school 
• We only evaluate your academic performance within the context of your individual high school — we do not compare you to students from different schools

The majority of our admitted students demonstrate success in a rigorous curriculum that prepares them for college-level coursework, often exceeding minimum graduation requirements. 

Standardized Test Scores: the SAT or ACT

• É«»¨Ìà is permanently test-optional — we do not require SAT or ACT exam scores for either admission or for scholarship consideration
• Test scores submitted will not negatively impact an application for admission
• Students are welcome to submit either the SAT or ACT (or both) — we do not have a preference

If you would like to discuss your academic record in more detail, please contact your Admissions Counselor.

Application Essay

In addition to your academic record, we seek to learn more about you as a person through the application essay. This is the premier opportunity for you to use your voice and bring your personality, interests, and story to your application.  

• All first-year freshmen applicants submit an essay as a core part of the application
• Successful college essays present an honest and thoughtful picture of the student — let your own authentic voice be part of your application
• We consider and evaluate your essay based on your choice of topic, the quality of the writing skills you display, and how you connect your response to your college plans and aspirations. The strongest essays show clear signs of editing, revision and overall effort

Extracurricular Activities List

We look to welcome Tigers who will contribute to É«»¨Ìà both in the classroom and as a member of our comprehensive, diverse, and inclusive university community.

• We encourage you to complete the application Activities list, where you can describe how you spend your time outside of the classroom
• Any involvement is worth noting. Be sure to include any:
  • School clubs, sports teams, or organizations 
  • Part-time jobs or volunteer and service experiences 
  • Family responsibilities or community involvement 
  • Hobbies or interests to which you devote your time 

Additional Information in the Common Application

The Common App provides a space for you to share additional information if you so choose. While not a place to write an additional essay, some students add some further context on their accomplishments, a challenging situation, or other information they want to provide to us. This section of the Common App is not required to complete your application.