How do Transfer Programs Work at College Park?

I'm interested in transferring to College Park and heard they have specific programs for transfer students. How do these work and what should I be aware of when considering one of these programs?

The University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) has several resources and programs in place to assist transfer students. These can help smooth your transition and make sure you're successful at the university.

Firstly, there's the Transfer Success Initiative. This collaborative program involves all parts of campus, seeking to enhance transfer students' academic and social integration into the UMD community. They offer transitional courses, academic support, and even events to help you quickly feel like a part of the Terp family.

Another important program is the Transfer2Terp (T2T) Learning Community. This program is designed specifically for incoming transfer students. It offers academic planning support, opportunities to explore campus resources, and structured activities to help students acclimate to the UMD community.

As part of the transfer process, you'll likely want to meet with an academic advisor to discuss how your credits will transfer over and to map out your course plan. UMD utilizes the ARTSYS system, a tool credited by the University System of Maryland that allows you to see how credits from other institutions will transfer to UMD, which is incredibly useful.

It's also worth noting that UMD has articulation agreements with many local community colleges. These are designed to ease the transition from the community college to UMD, ensuring that courses will transfer and apply toward a bachelor's degree.

Finally, you'll also want to investigate financial support. UMD offers a dedicated Transfer Academic Excellence Scholarship, which you may qualify for. The award amounts can vary significantly, so it's well worth looking into.

In terms of considerations, it's important to know that acceptance as a transfer student can still be competitive, so you'll want to aim for a strong academic record at your current institution. Additionally, not every credit may transfer, especially for more specific or upper-level courses, so it's good to discuss this with UMD admissions or your academic advisor.

As a transfer student, it's also crucial to get involved in the university community to make the most of your experience at UMD. Take advantage of everything the university offers, from clubs and organizations to internships or study abroad opportunities. By jumping straight in, you can quickly feel like a part of UMD.