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Hello and welcome to the University of Maryland. My name is Ashley Bair and I'm so
excited to share with you information about Maryland. As an Admissions representative
and proud alumna of Maryland, my job today is to give you an overview of campus but most
importantly walk you through the application process. We have a gorgeous campus full of
amazing resources including quiet quads for studying and cutting edge labs for research.
Maryland was recently ranked as one of the top 14 most beautiful and
iconic American College quads by Business Insider. We were founded in 1856 and the University
of Maryland is the largest university in the state of Maryland. As the flagship university,
we have approximately 26,000 undergraduate students and a freshman class of approximately
4,000. Today, the University of Maryland is a world-class preeminent research and educational
institution. Over the course of the past 20 years and especially in the last decade, the
quality and breadth of the university's academic programs have gained great distinctions and
high acclaim. In addition, 71 of our academic programs are ranked in the top 25 according
to US News and World Report. These numbers do not tell the full Maryland story. We hope
your visit today helps you learn about the programs, people and resources that have fostered
this excellence. As the only public research university inside the Washington DC beltway,
you'll be a hop, skip and jump away from where you want to go. We are located 10 miles from
the US capitol and approximately 30 miles outside of Baltimore and Annapolis, Maryland's
state capitol. Maryland has a stop on the DC metro and students can be downtown in 15
minutes; just take the Green Line. Baltimore offers the exciting Inner Harbor, and Orioles
and Ravens games are only a train ride away. The Statehouse in Annapolis provides access
to governmental internships. You'll be a car or train ride from Philadelphia and New York,
not to mention within 45 minutes of three major airports: Baltimore-Washington International,
Reagan and Dulles. And the University shuttle buses make it easy to get all around College
Park. Washington DC is the world's most powerful city and its right in Maryland's backyard.
What else could you ask for? In DC, Maryland students can enjoy the abundance of cultural
and recreational activities that the nation's capitol provides like the Smithsonian, National's
baseball games, Cherry Blossom Festival, the Kennedy Center, Embassy events and my favorite
treat, Georgetown Cupcake after a long day of shopping in Georgetown. The options are
endless. Our proximity to DC has made us a go to campus for US presidents. President
Obama has visited 4 times, and presidential visits have been a regular occurrence on campus
since President Eisenhower visited in 1960. In 2013, the Dalai Lama visited our campus.
Our location attracts the best and the brightest faculty to teach here. University of Maryland
faculty are frequently quoted in research and public commentary as experts in their
fields. Our students and faculty leverage our relationships with the federal government
as they research topics national and international importance like cyber-security, terrorism,
food security and climate change. As an alumna at the University of Maryland, I had several
professors who were also the authors of my textbooks. It was a phenomenal opportunity
to be instructed by innovators in the field. Through our ten schools and colleges, and
Letters and Sciences, students receive a quality undergraduate education. Undecided and undeclared
students will find a home in Letters and Sciences where advisors will help them explore course possibilities
and pick a major in their second year. Newly added programs to study include atmospheric
and oceanic science, creative writing and global poverty. We also have an option to
create your own major. The strength of the University of Maryland academic reputation
creates opportunity for you to engage with our dynamic and intellectually challenging
community. The classroom environment provides ample opportunities for meaningful interactions
between students and professors. Our student to faculty ratio in the classroom is 18:1.
Less than 10% of all undergraduate courses have more than 100 students and these courses
will break down into smaller discussion groups that meet weekly with a teaching assistant.
Courses also get smaller as students advance in their academic careers. Our students have
a large and diverse selection of classes to choose from. Our new general education program
assists students in preparing for a new multiverse of learning, and for the demanding and constantly
changing world beyond graduation. It provides necessary skills and basic knowledge, compliments
and expands the university course offerings. Learning and research take place in our impressive
facilities. Over the last 10 years we have experienced the largest building boom in our
campus history. Van Munching Hall and the Kim Engineering Building are among the most advanced
facilities in the nation for business and engineering programs. The Clarice Smith Performing
Arts Center is arguably the most beautiful and modern academic performing arts center
in the nation. Knight Hall is our new environmentally friendly journalism building, and the construction
of a new 158,000 sq. ft. Physical Sciences Complex is currently underway. The best learning
doesn't always happen in the classroom. At Maryland, we offer unique experiences that
go beyond textbook academics. We'll connect you with fascinating field research and internships,
one of the nation's most robust education abroad programs, community service and leadership
opportunities, and enriching living and learning programs. Research is available both on campus
with faculty and off campus with private and public organizations. Undergraduate students
had the opportunity to participate in faculty driven projects or independent projects. We
have the advantage being so close to so many internship opportunities. Students can intern
during the semester while taking classes, not just during the summer. More than 335
employers come to Maryland to recruit students for internships and jobs at places like NASA,
Ernst & Young, the Smithsonian Institution, Goldman Sachs, the FBI, the US Department
of Agriculture, the World Wildlife Fund, the US Department of Education, Black & Decker,
Under Armour, ESPN and even the Washington Post. Our Career Center and academic departments
serve as valuable resources for students searching for internships. Maryland is also a leader
in providing amazing international learning opportunities, because we believe education
extends beyond the classroom. Programs can be short term during our six-week winter break.
That's right, six weeks. Or programs can be held during our summer break, during semesters
or the full year. Study global health issues in India; learn about China's business culture
or even focus on Peru's approach to sustainable development. The Office of Community Service
Learning coordinates service opportunities in our local community, and there are many
student organizations involved in service including alternative breaks in the US and
overseas. Engineers Without Borders and Terps For Change are among the many opportunities.
US News and World Report consistently rank Maryland as a national model and leader for
learning communities for both public and private universities. These programs are designed
to bring together students with similar interests to achieve a common goal through taking courses
and living in residence halls. Our Honors College is home to seven innovative programs.
Each allow students to pursue their particular interest, working with faculty members who
are as passionate. College Park Scholars is the most innovative living and learning program
in the country, where students can study in small thematic programs around cutting-edge
issues. Students pursue one of 12 theme based programs. Scholars students engage in
and outside the classroom activities including trips, projects and community service. Other
programs available to incoming freshmen include Civicus, a program for students interested
in civil society and global communities, which is a program for students interested in international
issues and cultures. One of my favorites is the Jimenez Porter Writer's House. It's a
creative writing program that fosters creativity and allows for students to publish their collective
works every year. Imagine, you could be published even before you graduate. Students are invited
to living and learning communities through the freshman admission process. To be considered
for these programs, you must apply to Maryland by November 1st. Committees of faculty and
staff will review all of your items in your application to determine which programs if
any may be a match for your interests. You will receive notification of your invitation
along with your admission decision in January. At that time you'll be given the opportunity
to indicate your preferred programs within the Honors College or College Park Scholars.
The University of Maryland takes pride in the diversity of our students. We embrace
diversity and all facets of life; diversity of thought, gender, race, ethnicity, geography,
religion and many more. Maryland students are passionate, they are fearless and they
seek to change the world with one idea at a time. Hopefully today you can explore what
drives you and how Maryland can help contribute to your growth, learning and development.
Among the greatest things about the University of Maryland is its ability to transform driven
people with amazing ideas into incredible leaders committed to positively impacting
our world. About one-third of our students are students of color. With more than 3500
international students on campus, we have over 100 different countries represented in
our university community. We have over 800 student organizations that include cultural,
social, religious, and political organizations reflecting the vast diversity found in our
student body. To name a few we have a sky diving club, fencing club and even a Quidditch
club; you name it we have it. And if we don't, you can start your own organization and leave
your mark on campus. Once a Terp, always a Terp. Undergraduate students interested in
professional degrees such as law and medicine can find advising in these areas in conjunction
with advising within their academic major. Students interested in these pre-professional
programs can select a major to focus their studies and have separated advising to prepare
for specific entrance exams and preparation for the application process and requirements.
Did you know Maryland is one of the top 10 undergraduate feeders for law schools? And
we host an annual Law School Fair on campus, and a staggering 92% of applicants gain admission
to medical school. The University Career Center has a variety of resources and programs to
assist students in finding job opportunities from DC to Beijing. Resources include resume
writing workshops, mock interviews, and numerous departmental and campus-wide career fairs.
As an undergraduate at the University of Maryland, you make connections that last long after
graduation. In addition to forging lifetime friendships as an alumnus you are forever
a part at the Maryland family. Google, Under Armour, Outback Steakhouse, Kermit the Frog.
What do all of these brands have in common? Well, their co-founders all graduated from
Maryland. Our graduates also contribute in many other fearless ways. Teachers who instill
the joys of learning, cyber-security experts who keep us safe, performing artists who nourish
our souls, and engineers who build sustainable shelters. There are so many exciting aspects
of the University of Maryland to tell you about, it's hard to mention only a few. We
are a community of diverse individuals who are driven by fearless ideas, committed to
addressing the most pressing issues. Now that we have discussed many of the elements that
make Maryland distinctive, I want to take the remainder of our time to discuss the admission
process. This process can feel overwhelming and complex and I hope to break the process
down for you, so you have all the information you need to make Maryland a reality. As the
flagship university in the state of Maryland, we seek to enroll academically qualified individuals
that possess the necessary skills to contribute to our global environment. Our goal is to
be the institution of choice for students of exceptional ability and promise. The University
of Maryland is committed to building a meaningful and unique learning experience for all undergraduate
students. This means bringing in students from a variety of backgrounds, talents, experiences,
cultures and interests to enhance the campus-learning environment. A total if 26 factors are used
in reviewing each application for admission: about one-third of these factors are academic
and include a student's high school record, course rigor, trends in grades, class rank
if available, recommendations and standardized test scores as well. The other factors are
those that are tied to our mission and are valued at the University. These include things
like residency status, special talents and skills, status as a first-generation college
student, demonstrated leadership, ethnic diversity, geographic representation, and academic endeavors
outside the classroom. Please visit our website at www.admissions.umd.edu for the complete
listing and mission review factors, and information on our admission philosophy. Students submit
information that we will read and evaluate order to determine admissibility. This includes
application, high school transcript indicating rigor of course work, grades earned, GPA,
class rank and standardized test scores. We strongly encourage the submission of all test
scores across all SAT and ACT testings. Letters of Recommendation are also required, one from
an academic teacher and the other from a counselor. Essay and personal information are required
for all freshman applicants. We receive over 26,000 applications each year. Students who
apply for admission by November 1st receive priority consideration for admission to the
university. Nearly 90% of our freshman class is comprised of students who apply by this
deadline. Remember, remember the 1st of November. So we really want to encourage you to submit
your completed application by November 1st. In addition to priority consideration for
admission, students who apply by November 1st also receive best consideration for invitations
to special learning experiences including the Honors College, College Park Scholars
and Civicus as well as our other programs for freshmen. And best consideration for the
university's prestigious Merit Scholarship Programs, only one application is needed to
be considered for all these programs. Each student's application is individually reviewed
in a holistic manner. When reading your application we pay close attention to your academic performance,
but we also consider the rest of what you bring to Maryland. We consider 26 separate
factors including experience and community service, awards and special talents, the breadth
of your life experiences and your family background. Each year we seek an entering class of students
that will best compliment that extraordinary talents and rich diversity that exists in
our student body. When we review your academic performance it is in the context of your specific
learning environment and background, meaning what type of high school you attend and what
programs are offered there. We consider course rigor and grades received. We want to see
that you have taken the most academically challenging courses available whether it is
honors, AP, IB, dual enrollment or something else, and we want to see that you've succeeded
in them. Most of our admitted students have A/B averages: more A's than B's and little
to no C's. These factors are very important components of our review process, but also
key is a student's potential to contribute to campus and community life, as well as persistence
and commitment to educational success. Maryland has a long tradition of providing financial
support to students of all economic backgrounds through need-based financial aid. Financial
aid is awarded strictly based on demonstrated need found on the FAFSA. Maryland's FAFSA
deadline is February 15th. Though we strongly encourage all students to apply as soon as possible
after the application is available on January 1st of each year. The early bird gets the
worm. Financial awards are made no later than April 1st. Merit scholarships are awarded
to students based on academic merit without consideration of financial need. We focus
our review on each student's academic performance in order to determine scholarship eligibility,
including curriculum, performance in the classroom and results for standardized tests. Only students
who apply by November 1st are considered for merit scholarship awards. Awards range from
a $1500 freshman year Dean's Scholarship to our most prestigious award, the Banneker Key
Scholarship, which includes full tuition, room and board, books and fees for four years.
The National Scholarships Office at the University of Maryland aims to provide continuing undergraduates
with the best possible information for guidance and support as they learn about and apply
for national scholarships such as Goldwater, Fullbright, Truman and Rhodes. National scholarships
are highly competitive, prestigious awards that provide support for a wide range of enriching
experiences including study abroad, graduate study, federal employment, language learning,
teaching, research and public service. 75% of Maryland students receive some form of
financial assistance, need-based, and/or merit. I encourage you to visit us when you are in
the area. Our Open House programs visit Maryland Days are held every fall and offer students
the opportunity to visit with our academic colleges, learn about our special programs
and hear from our current students. Our campus-wide open house, Maryland Day is held at the end
of April each year and features over 350 different events. Our staff visits high schools and
attends college fairs throughout the fall and spring. Please check out our calendar
of events at our website at www.admissions.umd.edu. Additional on campus visit options are also
available at our website including opportunities to shadow a current student through our Terp
for a Day program. Thank you for stopping by today. I encourage you to contact our office
at 1-800-422-5867 or at um-admit@umd.edu. You are also welcome to contact the admission
representative for your hometown with questions. Thank you, Go Terps!