University of Maryland SAT & ACT Score Requirements: What You Need to Get In (2026)

The University of Maryland in College Park is the flagship of the state university system, with a Class of 2029 acceptance rate of about 45 percent and a top-15 public university ranking by U.S. News. Admitted students score in the 1370 to 1520 range on the SAT and 32 to 35 on the ACT. UMD also runs one of the most generous public-school merit programs in the country (Banneker/Key), but admit rates differ meaningfully by residency status. If you are aiming for the Terrapins, this guide walks you through the score ranges, the priority November 1 deadline, the Banneker/Key program, and what in-state versus out-of-state actually means for your odds.

UMD SAT Score Requirements

The middle 50 percent SAT range for admitted UMD students is 1370 to 1520, with an average composite around 1450. A 1370 puts you at the 25th percentile and a 1520 lands in the top quartile. UMD super-scores the SAT, considering your highest section scores across all administrations.

UMD is test-optional through the Spring and Fall 2027 cycles. The students who choose to submit scores cluster in this range. If your composite is below 1340, applying without a score is usually the better play. If it is 1370 or higher, submit.

Our SAT Math practice drills the algebra and advanced math content that UMD STEM applicants score well on, and our SAT score calculator shows exactly how many additional questions you need to clear 1450 or 1520.

UMD ACT Score Requirements

The middle 50 percent ACT range is 32 to 35, with an average around 34. UMD does not have a preference between the SAT and ACT, and super-scores both tests, so multiple sittings can only help if you submit.

If you have not committed to one test yet, our SAT vs ACT comparison walks through how the two tests differ in pacing and content emphasis, and which student profiles tend to score better on which test.

Test-Optional Through 2027

UMD extended its test-optional policy through the 2026 to 2027 admissions cycle, putting it among the larger public flagships still maintaining the option. Practical translation:

• If you can submit a score in or above the 25th percentile (1370 SAT or 32 ACT), submit.
• Below 1340 SAT or 30 ACT, withholding is usually the better strategic call. The rest of your file does the work.
• Strong AP, IB, or other academic exam scores can serve as supplemental academic evidence.
• UMD super-scores both tests, so retesting is low risk if you are submitting.

UMD Application Deadlines

UMD uses non-binding Early Action and Regular Decision. Either deadline puts your file in the same admitted class, but the November 1 deadline carries weight beyond convenience.

Why November 1 actually matters:

• Banneker/Key Scholarship consideration. UMD's flagship merit program only auto-considers November 1 applicants.
• Honors College and other special programs. The Honors College, College Park Scholars, and similar special programs use the EA pool for primary review.
• Selective majors. Computer science, engineering, business, and architecture are far more competitive than the all-school admit rate suggests, and applying EA gives your file a longer review window.
• Earlier decisions. EA decisions arrive in late January or early February.

UMD accepts both the Common Application and the institution's own application; either is fine and there is no admissions advantage to one over the other.

In-State vs Out-of-State: The Admit Rate Gap

The headline 45 percent overall admit rate hides a meaningful split by residency. For the Class of 2028, in-state applicants were admitted at 50 percent while out-of-state applicants were admitted at 42 percent. The gap is wider for selective majors like computer science and engineering, where out-of-state applicants face significantly tougher review.

Practical implications:

• If you are a Maryland resident, target the upper half of the score range to be solidly competitive for selective majors.
• If you are an out-of-state applicant, target the 75th percentile (1520+ SAT or 35+ ACT) for any selective major, and assume admission to your first-choice major requires real strength across the file.
• Out-of-state students should be especially mindful of the November 1 deadline, since the merit scholarships and priority programs are also more competitive in the out-of-state pool.

Banneker/Key Scholars Program

UMD's flagship merit award is the Banneker/Key Scholarship, awarded to roughly the top 2 percent of admitted students. All November 1 applicants admitted to the Honors College are auto-considered for the scholarship; no separate application is required.

Process:

• All admitted Honors College students who applied by November 1 are reviewed.
• Semifinalists are invited to interview in late February or early March (interview invitation by March 1).
• Final scholarship notifications go out by April 1.
• Recipients must maintain a 3.20 GPA and complete at least 30 credits per year for renewal.

To stay competitive for Banneker/Key, scores in the 75th percentile range or above (1520+ SAT or 35+ ACT) plus a strong GPA in a rigorous course load are typically expected.

Cost of Attendance

For 2025 to 2026:

• In-state tuition and fees: $11,809; total on-campus cost of attendance $31,731
• Out-of-state tuition and fees: $41,186; total on-campus cost of attendance $61,108

About 53 percent of enrolled students receive grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount around $13,172. UMD is one of the better values among major public flagships, particularly for in-state students.

How to Hit Your Target Score

If your current score is 100 or more points below the 75th percentile, the gap is closeable with focused 8 to 12 weeks of prep, but only if your practice is targeted, not random.

• Diagnose first. A full-length practice SAT or ACT under real timing tells you exactly which question types are losing you the most points. Most students discover that two or three categories are responsible for the majority of their wrong answers.
• Drill the high-yield categories. For UMD applicants targeting selective majors, that almost always means SAT Math's advanced math section or ACT Math's pre-algebra and algebra questions. Our SAT Math drills and ACT Math drills let you grind through hundreds of these by category.
• Review your wrong answers more than you do new questions. The reason a question was hard is the lesson; finding new questions just reveals more of the same hard reasons.
• Take a second sitting. Because UMD super-scores, retesting is a low-risk way to improve your composite. Most students see their best score on attempt two or three.

Should You Apply to UMD If Your Score Is Below the 25th Percentile?

If your composite is below 1370 SAT or 32 ACT, applying test-optional is the best move. UMD's holistic review treats applications without scores fairly. Submitting a sub-1340 score does not help; it just confirms a number that the admissions office would otherwise not see.

For comparison with other selective public flagships, see our guides on the University of Michigan SAT and ACT requirements, UVA SAT and ACT requirements, and Ohio State SAT and ACT requirements. Different selectivity, similar Big Ten / public-flagship decision space.

Frequently Asked Questions About UMD SAT and ACT Requirements

What is the average SAT score at UMD?

The average SAT composite at UMD is around 1450, with the middle 50 percent of admitted students scoring between 1370 and 1520.

What is the average ACT score at UMD?

The middle 50 percent of admitted students scored between 32 and 35 on the ACT, with an average of around 34.

Does UMD require the SAT or ACT?

No. UMD is test-optional through the Spring and Fall 2027 admissions cycles. Students who do not submit scores receive full consideration. If your composite is below 1340 SAT or 30 ACT, applying without scores is usually the better choice.

What is UMD's acceptance rate?

The Class of 2029 had a 44.79 percent overall acceptance rate. The rate splits by residency: in-state applicants are admitted at roughly 50 percent and out-of-state at roughly 42 percent.

Does UMD super-score the SAT and ACT?

Yes. UMD super-scores both tests, considering your highest section scores across multiple administrations.

What is the Banneker/Key Scholarship?

Banneker/Key is UMD's flagship merit scholarship, awarded to roughly the top 2 percent of admitted Honors College students. The full scholarship covers tuition, mandatory fees, standard on-campus housing and food, and a book allowance for eight consecutive semesters. The partial scholarship covers partial tuition and books. All November 1 applicants admitted to the Honors College are automatically considered.

What GPA do I need for UMD?

UMD does not publish an official cutoff, but admitted students typically have weighted GPAs around 4.4 (about 3.9 unweighted) in a rigorous course load that includes AP, IB, or honors work.

When are UMD's application deadlines?

Early Action is November 1, with priority consideration for admission, merit scholarships, and special programs. Regular Decision is January 20. Applications received after January 20 are reviewed on a rolling, space-available basis only.

How much does UMD cost?

For 2025 to 2026, in-state tuition and fees total $11,809 with on-campus total cost of attendance around $31,731. Out-of-state tuition and fees are $41,186 with total on-campus cost of attendance around $61,108. About 53 percent of enrolled students receive grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of about $13,172.

Should I apply Early Action to UMD?

Yes, if you can. EA at UMD is non-binding, gives you priority consideration for admission, all merit scholarships, the Honors College, and other special programs. The only reason to wait for Regular Decision is if you genuinely need the extra time to raise your test score or grades.