The University of Maryland - College Park

“First, academicsJan 03 2004Computer Science
First, academics. You should probably have a 3.5-3.7 to even attempt entry, and if you've taken AP or IB, that's excellent. 5 AP courses gave me a senior weighted GPA of 4.71, which was more than enough to cement my entry *while lacking* in other departments. More on that later. So good academics alone will probably carry you. However, if you're riding the line between "pass" and "failure" in terms of academic requirements, I've also seen a great deal of students get in as a result of their activities, personal achievements, *race*, and so forth. Being a white, middle-class male, I really can't talk, but it's been my experience that being non-majority in almost any way *will* assist your entry. And finally, don't forget recommendations and your essay. These are important. Very, very important. Butter up a few teachers, and get a glowing appraisal. Do a little community service, and then write about it. Trust me. You do not have to work hard here, but do enough that you have some sort of pretense or context in which to write your essay. Email me and I'll be glad to critique your essay - I don't mind helping :) (try , rather than my other email.) Perhaps the largest piece of advice I could give is: *be upbeat*. Do *not* harp on your problems. Focus on the good in everything and do your best to ignore the bad. You are a spin doctor. Make the truth dance to your will, but *do not ever lie*. There is a difference between selective emphasis and blatant falsity. Anyhow. Being able to construct eloquent prose helps. In general, UMCP students do not have to excel in all of these things. A good 50% of the students that apply get accepted, although only 40% of those that get accepted choose to go. If you are decent in all respects or very good in one, you are almost guaranteed success. I don't know... it worked for me :) Good luck!
SAT: 1490 Male

“I did well in high schoolJun 16 2003Computer Science
I did well in high school. Get a good score on your SATs and have a decent gpa and you will be rewarded with the very worthwhile University Honors.
SAT: 1350 Male

“Had a real good GPA, I graduated second inFeb 28 2003Aerospace Engineering
Had a real good GPA, I graduated second in my class, so I had no trouble getting in. If you do well in school, Maryland does recognize your talents ans rewards you accordingly.
SAT: 1550 Male

“It is hard for me to say, because whenDec 29 2002Education
It is hard for me to say, because when I got in the standards were a lot different. It has become more and more competitive with SAT scores and Highschool GPA's. I do recommend making an appointment with a financial aid advisor ASAP if that is something you will need.
SAT: 1350 Female

“Don't work too hard in high schoolDec 08 2002Aerospace Engineering
Don't work too hard in high school. It'll be a waste of time. This school is not that hard to get into. I know someone who didn't take any enriched/honors courses, had no AP credits, and only a mediocre SAT score and GPA, and he still got in.
SAT: 1380 Male