Everything You Need to Know About How to Apply

Are you an international transfer student?

If you are an international student, your transfer application will involve some additional steps. 

How We Evaluate Your Application

We evaluate your transfer application on the basis of your academic record at previous institutions. Cumulative grade point average as calculated by UMBC, academic trends, strength of curriculum, and performance in courses related to the intended area of study are considered. Priority consideration is given to students completing an associate’s degree prior to transfer.

Please note: UMBC does not require submissions of an Academic Evaluator, College Report, High School/Secondary School Final Report, or Midterm Report to complete the transfer application.

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.
  • 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”!
  • Planning to Attend UMBC at the Universities at Shady Grove? Be sure to indicate your interest in UMBC-Shady Grove in the “Questions” tab of the “Program Materials” dashboard.

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


Request Application Items from Third-Party Sources

As you prepare to submit your Common App, there are some additional items you’ll want to gather. 

Official Transcripts

Required

Request official transcripts from each college or university you have attended. Transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to UMBC after your application is submitted.

Official Final High School Transcript

Required

If you’re applying to transfer to UMBC and you have less than 30 college credits, you are required to submit your high school transcripts to demonstrate that you meet our required minimum course of study.

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.

Verification of Language Proficiency

Optional

UMBC students must complete a language sequence through the 201 level or demonstrate proficiency at that level. To demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language based upon high school coursework, please submit a final high school transcript.

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.

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.

Learn How We Award Credit

UMBC allows undergrads to transfer credits for coursework, competency-based education, and military training. Up to 90 credits can be applied towards the degree.

Transferring Coursework to UMBC →

Program Specific Considerations as you Apply

Students interested in applying to the programs below should review the additional considerations associated with each as they may impact your ability to transfer into your intended program or complete your degree in a timely manner.

If you’re interested in studying music, visual arts, theatre, or dance at UMBC, please note that there may be some additional steps for entry into the program, ranging from additional applications to portfolio submission and live auditions.

Transfer students who apply for admission to UMBC and select Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Engineering Undecided, or Computer Science as their desired major will have their transcripts evaluated by the College of Engineering and Information Technology to determine program eligibility. Learn more about the eligibility review and gateway requirements needed to progress into the program.

UMBC at The Universities at Shady Grove is located in Rockville, MD with seven undergraduate programs in Computer Science, History, Mechanical Engineering, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, and Translational Life Science Technology. Explore the programs to find the Required and Recommended Prerequisites.

Join a close-knit community of scholars through one of our scholars programs.


Upcoming Application Deadlines

Transfer

Fall Enrollment Application Deadlines

March
1
Priority Admission to UMBC Honors College Priority Admission
June
1
Regular 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.

Nathan Fanning

Associate Director, Transfer and Targeted Populations and Partnerships


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