In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on high school students’ ability to access standardized admissions tests (SAT/ACT), UMBC’s undergraduate admissions will be test-optional for Fall 2021.
This will provide students the opportunity to apply for undergraduate admission with or without standardized test scores. In both cases, students will receive full consideration for admissions, merit scholarships, and other opportunities.
UMBC’s holistic admissions program
UMBC’s holistic review of applicants for undergraduate admission considers a number of factors. These include grade point average, academic trend, strength of curriculum, personal statement, letters of recommendation, other achievements, and standardized test scores (if provided).
The test-optional program for the coming year is “about offering prospective students maximum flexibility,” says Yvette Mozie-Ross ’88, health science and policy, vice provost for enrollment management and planning. “This flexibility ensures that circumstances beyond our prospective students’ control do not present barriers to pursuing a top-notch education.”
Resources for applicants
Students considering applying to UMBC are encouraged to explore campus virtually. UMBC’s Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts also give a view into campus life and university news.
UMBC offers Frequently Asked Questions for information on how COVID-19 might impact the application and enrollment process. And students can also reach out to admissions@umbc.edu with any questions.
To be considered for undergraduate admission, students should submit an application and all required documents by November 1 for Early Action and February 1 for Regular Decision.
Header image: UMBC’s Albin O. Kuhn Library. All photos by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC.
