Admitted Student Guide
Congratulations! We’re so excited to welcome you to #RetrieverNation and help you determine your next steps as an admitted student!
Ready to make it official?
Let us know where you are in the process, so we can provide you with customized next steps!
Excellent! We’re so excited to have you join our community.
In order to create your custom admitted student checklist, please select all of the buttons below that apply to you. For instance, if you’re entering as a first-year student and wish to live on campus, select both “First Year” and “Living on Campus.”
Note: We use cookies to remember your progress when you leave the site. You accept the use of cookies when you begin this checklist.
Secure Your Spot
Secure Your Spot Content
Accept your offer of admission and let us know you’ll be a new Retriever!
To reserve your spot at UMBC, visit myUMBC and submit your non-refundable enrollment intention of $425 ($200 enrollment deposit + $225 orientation fee) by the date indicated in your admission letter.
Sign up for Orientation
Sign up for Orientation Content
All new students are required to complete an Orientation program to learn about academic requirements, sign up for classes, and meet other new students. Beginning in early-April (fall enrollment) or mid-November (spring enrollment), students can sign up for Orientation.
Explore Housing Options
Explore Housing Options Content
We offer a variety of housing options from residence halls to apartments for all our incoming students, as well as unique Living Learning Communities that cater to different interests and needs you may have. For first-year students, the housing application opens February 1 (fall enrollment) or October 1 (spring enrollment). For transfer students, the housing application opens April 1 (fall enrollment) or October 1 (spring enrollment).
Obtain or Update Your Visa
Obtain or Update Your Visa Content
Assuming you do not already have U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or another visa category that allows you to study in the U.S., you will need to obtain an F-1 student visa and an I-20 from UMBC. You’ll start this process by requesting an I-20 from UMBC and then applying for the F-1 visa. If you already have a Visa, you will need to update it to reflect your enrollment at UMBC. Learn more about the process and know our staff is available to answer your questions.
Review Your Transfer Credit Report and Degree Audit
Review Your Transfer Credit Report and Degree Audit Content
Visit myUMBC to find your Transfer Credit Report and degree audit, which help you understand how transferred courses apply to UMBC’s general education, major, and minor requirements. While you’re waiting for your official report, you can explore how your credits might transfer at Transfer Central.
Note: Allow 2-3 weeks after admission for evaluation and posting of prior college coursework to your record.
Discover Your Campus
Discover Your Campus Content
There’s no better way to experience what life as a Retriever will be like than by visiting campus. Check out all of the upcoming opportunities for admitted students and their guests to explore #RetrieverNation:
*Please Note: While students who’ve already enrolled at UMBC are welcome to attend these events, enrolling students also must attend New Student Orientation over the winter or summer.
Complete Your Health Requirements
Complete Your Health Requirements Content
As you prepare for your arrival at UMBC, there are some health-related requirements that you must meet before you arrive on campus. Each item can be found on the Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) website below.
Explore Your Prerequisites
Explore Your Prerequisites Content
UMBC-Shady Grove students are expected to complete the vast majority of lower-level courses and prerequisites prior to transfer. Please see our list of important prerequisites.
Learn About Financing Your Education
Learn About Financing Your Education Content
Whether you’re interested in UMBC scholarships or have questions about the FAFSA, UMBC’s financial aid and scholarships office has the information you need. Be sure to direct any questions to your UMBC Financial Aid Counselor. Students who complete the FAFSA will begin receiving financial aid awards through their UMBC email as early as mid-March (fall enrollment) or end of October (spring enrollment).
Apply for Shady Grove Scholarships
Apply for Shady Grove Scholarships Content
In addition to UMBC scholarships, UMBC-Shady Grove students also have access to scholarships offered through The Universities at Shady Grove (USG). For more information about USG scholarships, contact the Center for Scholarships.
Explore Your Majors
Explore Your Majors Content
View four-year academic pathways for each UMBC major or program, to be used in conjunction with formal academic advising as a resource for major exploration or development of an individualized degree plan.
Submit Your Campus ID Photo
Submit Your Campus ID Photo Content
Submit your favorite photo for your UMBC Retriever Card, your official UMBC student ID. This card is required for accessing library, computing and transit services, as well as on-campus housing, and for making purchases on campus, including meals. Submitting a photo is quick and easy.
Complete Placement Tests
Complete Placement Tests Content
Before you meet with your advisor and register for classes, you need to know which classes are best for you, and placement testing will help you figure that out. Please be sure to complete your placement tests* at least one week before your orientation advising appointment.
*Most students attending UMBC-Shady Grove have already completed their math requirement and do not need to complete placement testing.
Send Final Transcripts and Scores
Send Final Transcripts and Scores Content
Your admission to UMBC is based on your academic record to date. You are required to submit a final, official transcript to UMBC. You should also request that testing agencies submit your scores for any Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams.
Great! Nothing wrong with a little exploration.
Below you will find a plethora of opportunities to learn more about UMBC and figure out if it’s the right fit for you.
Visit Campus
There’s no better way to experience what life as a Retriever is like than by visiting campus. Whether you’re just learning about UMBC or are looking to build upon a prior visit, we welcome you to explore #RetrieverNation at our upcoming events welcoming admitted students. Depending on the campus you have been invited to join, check out events offered at our main Catonsville campus or our Shady Grove campus.
Learn about Financing Your Education
Whether you’re interested in UMBC scholarships or have questions about the FAFSA, UMBC’s financial aid and scholarships office has the information you need. Be sure to direct any questions to your UMBC Financial Aid Counselor. Students who complete the FAFSA will begin receiving financial aid awards through their UMBC email as early as mid-March (fall enrollment) or end of October (spring enrollment).
Connect with Your Admissions Counselor
The Undergraduate Admissions team is always happy to answer questions about our campus, academics, next steps, and more! Schedule an appointment with your regional representative at a time that works for you.
Chat with Current Students
Want to really know what it’s like to be part of a university dedicated to inclusive excellence? Curious about what students do for fun? Connect with one or more of our knowledgeable student Grit Guides and get the inside scoop on #RetrieverNation!
Discover our Community of Inquiring Minds
There are a ton of reasons why students choose UMBC – from award-winning undergraduate teaching to amazing research opportunities to a supportive community that helps you discover your passions, the data speaks for itself!
Find Your Home
Wondering what you will be doing outside the classroom if you choose to become a UMBC student? How much time do you have? Explore everything from living and dining on campus to student life to connecting with the local community and nearby cities.
Explore the UMBC-Shady Grove Community
Admitted to a UMBC program at The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) campus in Rockville, MD? Explore resources and visit options on the UMBC-Shady Grove website or contact us directly with any questions you may have before accepting your admission.
Once You’re Ready, Secure Your Spot!
Convinced UMBC is the place for you? Accept your offer of admission on your myUMBC portal and then follow the admitted student checklist in the dropdown above to become Retriever-Ready!
Rub True Grit’s Nose for Good Luck!
