University of Maryland ACT score range?

Hello fellow applicants! I'm planning on applying to the University of Maryland, and I was wondering if anyone knows the usual ACT score range for admitted students? I want to make sure I'm in the ballpark to be considered.

Hello! The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) typically admits students with a wide range of ACT scores. The middle 50% ACT score range for admitted students at UMD has shifted slightly higher in recent years, but is generally around 31-34. This statistic means that 25% of admitted students at UMD scored below a 31, another 25% scored above a 34, and the remaining 50% scored within this range.

Keep in mind that these are not strict cutoffs, and UMD will evaluate your application holistically, by considering other factors such as your GPA, course rigor, extracurriculars, and essays. So, even if you have a perfect 36, don't rely on that getting you in on its own, but on the flip side, if your score is slightly lower, you can compensate for that with strengths in other areas of your application.

If you're looking for tips on how to polish up the other elements of your application, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle UMD's school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-maryland-essays

Finally, it is worth noting that UMD is officially test-optional, so you actually don't have to submit an ACT (or SAT) score. However, depending on your personal circumstances, submitting one could still make sense. For detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/

To be competitive in the applicant pool, it's a good idea to aim for a score within or above this range. However, don't let a score slightly below the middle 50% discourage you from applying, as the admissions process is not solely based on test scores.

Overall, while aiming for an ACT score within or above the 31-34 range will boost your chances at UMD, make sure to present a strong overall application by highlighting your achievements, interests, and personal qualities in each component. Good luck with your application!