Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 09:35     Subject: UMD decision 2026
Anonymous wrote:The acceptances seem so random. Some lower stats accepted while higher are rejected.


I understand that but I was only looking at the SAT scores. 1480 rejected, 1550 rejected but 1450 accepted type stats.
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 09:29     Subject: UMD decision 2026
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:The problem with Maryland is there is no real second uni to fall back on. Towson and um c seem like a big step down. Looks like oos for us.


Yup. Wish we had a Maryland State or Maryland Tech!


You realize UM (BC) is a Univ of Maryland, right? It's a UMD located in a different county. So it's a step UP from what would be a MD State if MD had a MD State. And, UMBC is marketed as a good school for STEM maybe not at the caliber of VA Tech tho that's debatable, perhaps. What if it was an easy name change? Towson's name changed to Maryland State. Would more students apply and attend if accepted?


UMBC is really just as good as UMD. Plus it’s got a better campus!
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 09:27     Subject: UMD decision 2026
So many kids with great stats here. I really do sense UMD is an under-appreciated treasure.
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 09:05     Subject: UMD decision 2026
Anonymous wrote:The acceptances seem so random. Some lower stats accepted while higher are rejected.


UMD does not have a mandate to accept every kid with a 3.9/4.7 and above and reject anyone below. For one, they clearly state they use something like 26 factors when determining admissions. Second, not every school is exactly the same. My kid who was accepted Spring a few cycles ago, attended a private high school that limited the number of APs and you had to get approval and a certain grade to take honors/AP in a subject. So if you heard the GPAs of those accepted for fall you might think “oh those are lower” when really it was excellent for that high school.

The bottom line is very strong students, might not get into UMD but they are getting in somewhere. It’s not uncommon to get Spring or not get into UMD but get into a school with an even smaller acceptance rate. That said, getting in is a huge accomplishment and congratulations to all the Future Terps.
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 08:30     Subject: UMD decision 2026
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Congratulations to those accepted. Those who did not get accepted, especially those hard luck moco/hoco cases, you can likely transfer if you really want to attend.

As far as all these fire, scholars, etc programs. They are fine but its a bit of marketing and the everyone has to feel special culture. And some are actual time sucks so consider the actual value and your actual level of interest in whatever it is. And if you're in a tough major, you may want less on your plate, not more. You are not required to do these things if they are offered. There are tons of other things to do in college. And you can't do everything..

Honors is good because some of the classes are interesting and knock out gen ed requirements as well. Though some of the Honors programs, I've heard, can also weigh on your time budget. But UH, the largest Honors program is not a giant commitment and you probably get a decent freshman dorm.



I agree those programs are kind of a gimmick. I had never heard of the FIRE program. My oldest applied and was accepted into honors years ago (there was no FIRE) and even was offered Banneker Key, but he enrolled elsewhere. My youngest who just got accepted got into FIRE and as soon as I watched the video, I knew it was a lot of smoke and mirrors. But I can see how some would be lured into enrolling with these tactics.



Not a gimmick. They are one way to make a big school feel smaller and more personal.


100% agree!
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 08:29     Subject: UMD decision 2026
The acceptances seem so random. Some lower stats accepted while higher are rejected.
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 08:27     Subject: UMD decision 2026
Anonymous wrote:The problem with Maryland is there is no real second uni to fall back on. Towson and um c seem like a big step down. Looks like oos for us.


From an education standpoint UMBC is a close second, especially for STEM. For someone who wants a smaller environment it could be a good fit. However, doesn’t have the big sports and big Greek party life.
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 08:20     Subject: UMD decision 2026
Rejected, but dc isn’t upset. It was not a top choice and they have much better options elsewhere for their intended major. Only applied because we’re in state.
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 08:13     Subject: UMD decision 2026
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Congratulations to those accepted. Those who did not get accepted, especially those hard luck moco/hoco cases, you can likely transfer if you really want to attend.

As far as all these fire, scholars, etc programs. They are fine but its a bit of marketing and the everyone has to feel special culture. And some are actual time sucks so consider the actual value and your actual level of interest in whatever it is. And if you're in a tough major, you may want less on your plate, not more. You are not required to do these things if they are offered. There are tons of other things to do in college. And you can't do everything..

Honors is good because some of the classes are interesting and knock out gen ed requirements as well. Though some of the Honors programs, I've heard, can also weigh on your time budget. But UH, the largest Honors program is not a giant commitment and you probably get a decent freshman dorm.



I agree those programs are kind of a gimmick. I had never heard of the FIRE program. My oldest applied and was accepted into honors years ago (there was no FIRE) and even was offered Banneker Key, but he enrolled elsewhere. My youngest who just got accepted got into FIRE and as soon as I watched the video, I knew it was a lot of smoke and mirrors. But I can see how some would be lured into enrolling with these tactics.



Not a gimmick. They are one way to make a big school feel smaller and more personal.
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 07:57     Subject: UMD decision 2026
Anonymous wrote:Congratulations to those accepted. Those who did not get accepted, especially those hard luck moco/hoco cases, you can likely transfer if you really want to attend.

As far as all these fire, scholars, etc programs. They are fine but its a bit of marketing and the everyone has to feel special culture. And some are actual time sucks so consider the actual value and your actual level of interest in whatever it is. And if you're in a tough major, you may want less on your plate, not more. You are not required to do these things if they are offered. There are tons of other things to do in college. And you can't do everything..

Honors is good because some of the classes are interesting and knock out gen ed requirements as well. Though some of the Honors programs, I've heard, can also weigh on your time budget. But UH, the largest Honors program is not a giant commitment and you probably get a decent freshman dorm.



I agree those programs are kind of a gimmick. I had never heard of the FIRE program. My oldest applied and was accepted into honors years ago (there was no FIRE) and even was offered Banneker Key, but he enrolled elsewhere. My youngest who just got accepted got into FIRE and as soon as I watched the video, I knew it was a lot of smoke and mirrors. But I can see how some would be lured into enrolling with these tactics.
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 07:49     Subject: UMD decision 2026
Anonymous wrote:Accepted, 1540 sat, 3.94/4.4 gpa, engineering


Are you in-state or out-of-state?
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 07:26     Subject: UMD decision 2026
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:The problem with Maryland is there is no real second uni to fall back on. Towson and um c seem like a big step down. Looks like oos for us.


Yup. Wish we had a Maryland State or Maryland Tech!


You realize UM (BC) is a Univ of Maryland, right? It's a UMD located in a different county. So it's a step UP from what would be a MD State if MD had a MD State. And, UMBC is marketed as a good school for STEM maybe not at the caliber of VA Tech tho that's debatable, perhaps. What if it was an easy name change? Towson's name changed to Maryland State. Would more students apply and attend if accepted?


UMBC and Virginia Tech is not debatable. UMBC is debatable with George Mason. We moved from Maryland to Virginia when kids were young. College wasn't primary reason, but it was a pro at the time for the move. UMD is a great school, but if you don't get in, no great backups like Virginia.
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 07:20     Subject: UMD decision 2026
4.9/1530 - Spring admission and Freshman connection. In state.
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 07:03     Subject: UMD decision 2026
Congratulations to those accepted. Those who did not get accepted, especially those hard luck moco/hoco cases, you can likely transfer if you really want to attend.

As far as all these fire, scholars, etc programs. They are fine but its a bit of marketing and the everyone has to feel special culture. And some are actual time sucks so consider the actual value and your actual level of interest in whatever it is. And if you're in a tough major, you may want less on your plate, not more. You are not required to do these things if they are offered. There are tons of other things to do in college. And you can't do everything..

Honors is good because some of the classes are interesting and knock out gen ed requirements as well. Though some of the Honors programs, I've heard, can also weigh on your time budget. But UH, the largest Honors program is not a giant commitment and you probably get a decent freshman dorm.



Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 02:09     Subject: UMD decision 2026
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:The problem with Maryland is there is no real second uni to fall back on. Towson and um c seem like a big step down. Looks like oos for us.


Yup. Wish we had a Maryland State or Maryland Tech!


You realize UM (BC) is a Univ of Maryland, right? It's a UMD located in a different county. So it's a step UP from what would be a MD State if MD had a MD State. And, UMBC is marketed as a good school for STEM maybe not at the caliber of VA Tech tho that's debatable, perhaps. What if it was an easy name change? Towson's name changed to Maryland State. Would more students apply and attend if accepted?