Everything You Need to Know About How to Apply

Complete the Common App

Your first stop is the Common App. Please be sure to complete it in its entirety. 

  •  Seeking in-state residency? Be sure to complete the residency questions in the Member Questions section.
  • Applying to the Honors College? Be sure to answer “Yes” to the Honors College question located in the Academics Section of the Member Screen and complete the additional required writing supplement.
  • Complete the “Required Application Questions” section in your myUMBC account.
  • Be sure to plan and write your essay. This helps us get to know you.
  • Pay your $75 non-refundable application fee and make sure that there are green “complete” check marks under the application in your “My Colleges” dashboard under UMBC, and then hit “submit”!

Check out this guide from the Common App on how to prepare for your application.

Request Supporting Documents

Official Transcript

Required

Request an official transcript from your high school. Counselors may send us your transcripts electronically through the Common App School Report or they may mail a transcript to our office.

*If you have also earned college credits that you are interested in transferring to UMBC, you will need to submit those transcripts.

International Transcripts

Required

If you have attended a postsecondary institution, such as a college or university, outside the United States, submit course by course credentials evaluated through one of the following evaluation services. 

Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Standardized Test Scores

Optional

If you graduated high school in the U.S. within the past three years, you may have the appropriate testing agency send us your results from the SAT I or the ACT.

The UMBC College Board code is 5835, and UMBC’s ACT code is 175.

UMBC’s 25th – 75th percentile test score range is 1190 – 1360. Given this information, you can decide whether or not your test scores would benefit your application.

Letters of Recommendation

Optional

You can designate up to two recommenders through the Common App–recommenders then submit their letters through the Common App.

Your letters of recommendation will be reviewed in the order they are received.

Are you an international first-year student?

If you are an international student, your first-year application will involve some additional steps.

Complete Application Requirements for Scholars Programs and Visual and Performing Arts Majors (optional)

Applying to a Scholars Program or as a Visual or Performing Arts major? Be sure to research additional requirements and deadlines specific to the programs of interest to you.

Upcoming Application Deadlines

First-Year

Fall Enrollment Application Deadlines

November
1
Early Action Admission to UMBC Honors College Priority Admission
February
1
Regular Decision Admission to UMBC Honors College Regular Admission

Spring Enrollment Application Deadlines

October
15
Priority Admission to UMBC Honors College Priority Admission
December
1
Regular Admission to UMBC Honors College Regular Admission

Counselor Spotlight

Our team of counselors can guide you through questions about what to study, what it’s like to be a Retriever, and even the basics of financing your education. Explore our list of counselors below and find the person who works with students from your area, whether that’s Prince George’s County, Maryland; Arizona; or across the globe.

Caitlin Henry

Assistant Director of Recruitment

Sending Something via Snail Mail? 

All supporting documents not submitted electronically can be sent to our office at:

UMBC Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250