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College Park, MDPublic

University of Maryland, College Park Admissions: Acceptance Rate, GPA, SAT

DC-adjacent Big Ten school with strong CS, business, and public policy.

Acceptance Rate
45%
SAT Range
1310–1480
Avg GPA
4.33
Undergrad
31,000
Test-OptionalEarly Action
Policy Unstated

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What it takes to get into UMD

UMD accepts roughly 45% of applicants — competitive but more accessible than the most selective Ivies.The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1310 and 1480 on the SAT, and the average unweighted GPA is around 4.33.

Numbers alone don't get you in. UMD reads holistically — they want to see academic rigor in your high school transcript (AP/IB/Honors course load), genuine intellectual curiosity, leadership in extracurriculars, a clear “spike” or area of demonstrated excellence, strong essays, and recommendation letters that vouch for your character.

Test-optional policies vary year to year. Even where tests are optional, applicants who submit scores in the 75th-percentile range typically have an edge. Check UMD's admissions page for the current cycle's policy.

What UMD Weighs in Admissions

Visual breakdown from Common Data Set Section C7

Very Important
Course rigor & GPA
Important
Leadership
Application essays
Recommendations
Considered
Awards & honors
Activity depth
Spike / distinctive talent

UMD Acceptance Rate

45% acceptance rate with SAT, GPA benchmarks and selectivity analysis.

How to Get Into UMD

Data-driven admissions strategy based on CDS weights and what actually matters.

How to Write the “Why UMD?” Essay

Research tips, common mistakes, and what admissions is actually looking for.

See Where You Stand

GPA vs SAT scattergram — compare your stats to admitted and rejected students.

Practice UMD Interview Questions

AI-scored mock interview with real alumni questions. 5-dimension feedback.

UMD Admissions FAQ

What is UMD's acceptance rate?

UMD admits approximately 45% of applicants based on the most recent reported Common Data Set figures. This rate has trended downward over the past decade as application volumes have grown.

What SAT score do you need for UMD?

Admitted students at UMD typically score between 1310 (25th percentile) and 1480 (75th percentile) on the SAT. Hitting or exceeding the 75th percentile gives you a meaningful edge.

What GPA do you need for UMD?

The average admitted student at UMD has an unweighted GPA of approximately 4.33 on a 4.0 scale — though weighted GPAs and course rigor matter just as much as the raw number.

Is UMD test-optional?

UMD's testing policy varies by cycle. Some years they are test-optional, some years test-required. Always confirm on the official admissions page before submitting.

Compare UMD with similar schools

Stats are approximate, drawn from publicly-reported Common Data Set figures. Confirm current numbers on UMD's official admissions site.