UMD SAT Requirements: What's the Magic Number?

Hey everyone, I'm planning on applying to the University of Maryland and I'm kinda unsure about the SAT score I should be aiming for. I mean, I know I need to do as well as I can, but it'd be nice to have a concrete goal. Does anyone have any idea about their SAT requirements?

In recent years, most admitted students at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) have had an SAT score between 1380 and 1510. This range reflects the middle 50%, which means that 25% of admitted students have an SAT score below 1380, and another 25% have an SAT score above 1510.

Keep in mind that these are just averages and the admissions process at UMD is holistic, which means they consider other factors beyond test scores. Your transcript, extracurricular activities, and personal essays are all important elements of your application as well.

In terms of setting a "magic number" for your SAT, aiming for a score in the middle 50% range or above can make you a competitive applicant. However, remember that you can still be considered even with a lower score, especially if other parts of your application are strong.

If you want to know how your application as a whole stacks up at UMD, I'd check out CollegeVine's free chancing engine, which accounts for all quantifiable elements of your application, including not just test scores but also GPA, course rigor, and extracurriculars to give you personalized odds of acceptance at UMD and hundreds of other colleges: https://www.collegevine.com/admissions-calculator

This tool will also give you suggestions on how to improve your chances, whether by raising your SAT score slightly or some other step, like earning a leadership position in one of your extracurriculars.

Or, if you want tips on how to strengthen the more intangible aspects of your application, I'd 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/. The essays are a great opportunity to showcase what you have to offer beyond the numbers.

Finally, it's worth noting that UMD is officially test-optional, so you actually are not required to submit an SAT (or ACT) score. However, you're smart to still be thinking about target SAT scores, as there can still be instances where including a standardized test score with your application can be a good idea. 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

Good luck with your application!