On the application you will be asked whether or not you want your exam scores to be considered in your admission decision. If you want us to consider your exam scores, you can select “Yes.” If you don’t want your exam score considered, you can select “No.”

Both internal and external research has proven that performance in rigorous coursework during high school is the best predictor of academic success in college; therefore, the Office of Admissions will continue to place the most evaluative weight on the level and success of coursework taken during high school. We will closely evaluate an applicant's high school work including curriculum, trends in grades, and how they challenged themselves. We will delve into the students' college or high school involvement, extracurricular activities, leadership, community engagement, and work/family responsibilities. Many of these topics can be addressed in a personal statement.

If an applicant chooses to be test-optional, we will hide their test scores from our application reviewers, and test scores will not be used in the admission decision. Scores will remain in our system and may be used for other purposes, like course placement, but will not be used to decide on an application.

No. There will be no negative impact on your application.

• Applicants who believe their ACT or SAT scores represent a positive component of their academic profile are encouraged to submit their scores for consideration within the admission process.
• Homeschooled students are encouraged to submit scores.

ACT or SAT scores might not fully reflect some applicants’ academic performance, preparedness, or potential. If you feel this applies to you, you may select UMD’s test-optional method of applying and not submit your scores. 

Admitted students who choose to submit their application through the test-optional route will be encouraged to submit their scores at a later date for use in course placement.

The Office of Admissions requires the verification of English language proficiency. Accepted exams include IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, Cambridge, or Pearson. We provide options for students to meet our English proficiency without taking a standardized test. Specific details can be found on our English language proficiency page. 

We encourage non-native English speakers who have taken the ACT or SAT exam to submit their scores to UMD as well, as these scores will be used for advising and course placement purposes.

Students who choose to submit ACT or SAT scores should share official test scores. Standardized test scores can be sent electronically through the platform you have taken your exams. Use UMD's school code below to have your scores sent to us:

• ACT: 2157
• SAT: 6873

Test scores are also accepted if posted on an official high school transcript.

If you want test scores included in your application review, please send those to our office as soon as you are able. 

Student-athletes are required to submit official scores to the NCAA Eligibility Center in order to be declared eligible for competition. Athletes are not required to submit scores to UMD.