Welcome to UMBC!
Go ahead and cheer. That’s what we’re doing. Now let’s make it official!
You still have a few things to square away before you’re a bonafide Retriever. This site will guide you through the final steps of the admission process and answer all of your “what’s next” questions. If you need to get in touch, contact us at any time.
Ready to Celebrate?
Here’s your soundtrack.
Tune in to our Welcome to UMBC Spotify Playlist, celebrating you and all our newly admitted students!
Tell us about yourself and we’ll create your custom checklist.
Directions
From the list below, click any of the buttons that describe who you are. Once you toggle these buttons, we’ll show you a customized checklist explaining exactly what you need to do to finalize your admission and prepare for the upcoming year.
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.
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).
UMBC-Shady Grove students also have access to scholarships offered through The Universities at Shady Grove. For more information about USG scholarships, contact the Center for Student Engagement and Financial Resources.
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.
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 3-4 weeks after admission for evaluation and posting of prior college coursework to your record.
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 in virtual meet-ups. Beginning in early-April (fall enrollment) or mid-November (spring enrollment), students can sign up for Orientation.
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.
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. Beginning in late-March (fall enrollment) or mid-November (spring enrollment), students can sign up for placement testing. First time students enrolling in the fall should take their placement tests by June 1.
Complete Placement Tests (if necessary)
Complete Placement Tests (if necessary) 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. Beginning in late-March (fall enrollment) or mid-November (spring enrollment), students can sign up for placement testing. First time students enrolling in the fall should take their placement tests by June 1.
Explore Your Housing Options
Explore Your 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).
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 your arrive on campus. Each item can be found on the Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) website below.
Submit Your Campus ID Photo
Submit Your Campus ID Photo Content
Submit your favorite photo for your campus ID, the Retriever Card. This card is required for accessing library, computing, and transit services and on-campus housing, and for making purchases on campus including meals. Submitting a photo is quick and easy.
Request Your USG and UMBC Campus ID Cards
Request Your USG and UMBC Campus ID Cards Content
UMBC-Shady Grove students are required to have a USG campus ID card in order to access services on the USG campus. Appointments are available through the USG website. Students are also encouraged to obtain a UMBC campus ID, the Retriever Card, as well. You can start the process online by submitting your photo on UMBC’s Campus Card website.
Add Welcome Week to Your Calendar
Add Welcome Week to Your Calendar Content
Welcome Week is one of UMBC’s favorite traditions. In the week leading up to the beginning of each semester, our campus community comes together to welcome new and returning students with activities and experiences to connect fellow Retrievers. Updates will be posted to the Welcome Week site.
Start Your Visa Process to Study at UMBC
Start Your Visa Process to Study at UMBC 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. Learn more about the process and know our staff is available to answer your questions.
Congratulations!
You’re ready for life as a Retriever. In the meantime, celebrate with our Welcome to UMBC playlist, rub True Grit’s nose for good luck, and enjoy some coloring pages and other fun activities courtesy of our students.