The Office of Admissions and Recruitment serves prospective students, currently enrolled students, faculty and staff related to matriculation, document processing and the creation of students’ records. The Recruitment Office engages in prescribed activities designed to identify, attract, enroll and retain prospective students.
Campus Tours
Prospective students and their parents are encouraged to visit the campus for a general information session and walking tour and to discuss enrollment with university staff. Campus tours can be arranged by registering online at http://www.umes.edu/visit/ or by contacting Office of Admissions & Recruitment at (410) 651-6410 or umestours@umes.edu.
Freshman Admissions Requirements
General Policies
In line with the University System of Maryland’s Admissions Requirements, first time students or freshmen will be expected to have graduated from an accredited high school and have successfully completed an academic program of study, which includes the following minimum course requirements:
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Four years of English;
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Three years of social science/history;
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Two years of laboratory-based science.
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Four years of mathematics; courses completed must include Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Students who complete Algebra II prior to their final year must complete the four-year mathematics requirement by taking a course or courses that utilize non-trivial algebra.;
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Two years of a foreign language or in some instances Advanced Technology Education electives.
All freshmen require an official (final) high school transcript as evidence for graduation from an accredited high school to enroll in a degree seeking program at University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Official transcripts necessitate a qualified school official’s signature and the school seal. Official transcripts must come directly from the high school, state department or institution by mail or email. Official transcripts can also be hand delivered in the original sealed envelope.
Applicable courses pertinent to the Freshman Admission Requirements may include the following:
Mathematics
Advanced Topics, Algebra I, Algebra II, Analysis (or Elementary Analysis), Analytic Geometry, Calculus, Computer Math, Functions, Geometry, Mathematics II, Mathematics III. Mathematics IV, Matrices, Probabilities, Modern Geometry, Probability and Statistics, S.M.S.G., Modern Math, Trigonometry and Computer Science (only with a prerequisite of at least two years of Algebra/Geometry).
Science
Anatomy, Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physical Science, General Science, Genetics, Geology, Laboratory Science, Physics, Zoology, Botany, Environmental Science and Astronomy.
Social Studies
Afro-American Studies, American History, Ancient History, Anthropology, Civics-Citizens, Contemporary Issues (C.I.S.S.), Cultural Areas, Cultural Heritage, Economics, Ethics (if considered to be Religion, not counted), European History, European History and Survey, Far East, Pan American, Geography, Government, Humanities, International Affairs, Medieval History, Modern History, Modern Problems, National Government, Philosophy, Political Science, Problems of Democracy, Problems of 20th Century, Psychology, Sociology, State History, U.S. History, World Civilization and World Cultures.
High School General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
Applicants for admission who have earned a GED are accepted for admission provided they obtain an average standard score equivalent to a high school GPA of 2.5.
Graduates of Non-Accredited Maryland High Schools
Freshman applicants for admission who are graduates of non-accredited/non-approved high schools will be reviewed individually, with consideration given to factors such as scores on nationally standardized tests, high school course content, performance in high school academic courses, the performance of previous students with similar academic preparation.
Admissions Procedures
Prospective students are required to complete an Application for Admission and pay a $35.00 non-refundable application fee. Applicants must also have submitted official secondary and/or college transcripts and official SAT or ACT test scores. Applicants who have earned a 3.4 or higher cumulative grade point average at the conclusion of 11th grade do not need SAT or ACT test scores to be considered for admission.
When to Apply
Applications must be received in sufficient time to be properly evaluated. The application priority date for the fall semester is February 15 with a deadline of July 15. For the spring semester, November 1 is the application priority deadline. Applications can be accessed online at www.umes.edu/apply/. Applications received beyond these dates will be considered on a space available basis. Decisions for admission are made on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Senior High School Grades
Normally, cumulative grade point averages are based on grades earned through the eleventh grade. When it appears that mid-year grades for the senior year of high school may affect a student’s admission status, the grades will be requested and considered before a final admission decision is made. Once admitted, all students must submit final transcripts verifying graduation.
Categories of Undergraduate Admissions
Freshmen
Regular Admission
Applicants that meet admissions requirements and present competitive academic performance and preparation proving potential for success at the university level.
Early Admission
Although UMES generally requires applicants to earn a high school diploma prior to their first registration, UMES will admit well-qualified students without this documentation provided the student:
- has a minimum “B”/(3.0) average in academic subjects;
- is within four semester courses (two Carnegie Units) of high school graduation, and
- has the endorsement of parents, the high school, and superintendent of schools, when appropriate.
Concurrent Enrollment Admission
Local high school students who satisfy the requirements for an early admission, but wish to attend UMES while continuing to be enrolled at their high schools, may do so provided they have the approval of their parents and the high school principal. Fees are charged at the same rate as for undergraduate students.
Dual Enrollment Admission
The Dual Enrollment Program allows high school students to earn college credit while still in high school and
Students interested in participating in the dual enrollment program should first seek permission from their high school and upon approval submit a dual enrollment non-degree application to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. The tuition and fees for students enrolled in the dual enrollment program will be the discounted resident fee structure as established by the Office of Administrative Affairs at UMES.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Applicants who qualify for admission but do not desire to work towards a baccalaureate degree may be admitted as non-degree seeking, or special, students. These students may enroll in undergraduate courses for which they possess the necessary prerequisites but may not enroll in courses restricted to degree seeking students only. Non-degree seeking (special) students who do not have a baccalaureate degree must submit transcripts and meet regular admission standards. Applicants who do not qualify for admissions, but desire to take some skills courses may be allowed to enroll in such courses if prior permission from the chairperson of the department in which the courses are located is obtained.
Veterans
UMES is fully accredited for accepting veteran students and assists them in their certification. Credit is given for any work done during the period of service which is related to the major field of study.
A Certificate of Eligibility must be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Registration when the veteran reports for registration. Benefits to which veterans are entitled will be sent each month directly to them by the Veterans Affairs Administration after proper certification has been obtained: Veterans are responsible for the payment of all fees and expenses at the same time as all other students. The Admissions Office coordinates veteran services, and veterans are advised to contact the office for further information on admissions, tutorials, and special programs.
Policy on Veteran Tuition and Fees
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore certifies that the current policy is true and correct:
The following individuals shall be charged a rate of tuition not to exceed the in-state rate for tuition and fees purposes:
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A Veteran using educational assistance under either chapter 30 (Montgomery G.I. Bill-Active Duty Program) or chapter 33 (Post-9/11 G.I. Bill), of title 38, United States Code, who lives in Maryland while attending a school located in Maryland (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
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Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same school. The person so described must have enrolled in the school prior to the expiration of the three year period following discharge or release as described above and must be using educational benefits under either chapter 30 or chapter 33, of title 38, United States Code.
Policy on Students Called to Active Military Duty
- UMES students may be called to active military duty. These students may be required to interrupt their academic careers after they and their families have invested considerable resources in the payment of tuition, mandatory and auxiliary fees, and room and board. UMES shall follow this policy which will assist students who are called to active military duty in fulfilling their active military duty obligations by minimizing the negative effects of institutional policies otherwise applicable to students who withdraw from or interrupt their course of study.
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Students who have been called to active military duty will have the option to withdraw from all courses to receive a grade of W or I (Incomplete). The student must notify the school of his military service and intention to return to the school The student must give written notice (withdrawal request) of departure from the school in advance. The student must present a copy of the appropriate military orders with the withdrawal request. Students who withdraw from all courses will receive a full reversal of all tuition and fees for the semester and pro-rated credit of room and board fees based on the actual days of occupancy. Students will not be charged for breaking the housing contract if military orders are presented prior to the military departure.
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As an alternative to the full reversal of tuition (depending on available teacher accommodations to complete the course and/or if 50% of course has been completed), student who has been called to active military duty can receive an incomplete (I) grade for a course until the reasonable period. The reasonable period established is the next earliest semester of the course offerings upon return from military duty.
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To facilitate the reintegration of a student called to military duty, the student must complete the submit a written request (readmission form) if the student has been absent for one year or more within three years after the completion of the period of service. The Office of the Registrar is responsible for the review of the readmission application. UMES will promptly readmit the student into the next class or classes in the program beginning after written evidence to enroll has been received. UMES is not required to readmit the student if:
a. There are no reasonable efforts that can be taken to prepare student to resume the program at the point where student left off or to complete the program Student is not prepared to resume or complete the program.
b. Students in good academic standing will be readmitted to the same academic status held at the time of military departure if eligible to be readmitted.
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Once a military student is readmitted, the tuition and fees charged will be assessed at the same rate as other students in the program for the enrolled academic year. Eligible students can use service member education benefits.
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The cumulative length of the absence and of all previous absences from school for military service may not exceed five years.
Transfer Students
A student who has attended any institution of higher education and has earned at least one (1) or more credit hours will be considered as a transfer student.
Applicants with 28 or more semester hours of transferable coursework are evaluated on their college or university level performance.
An official high school transcript is required of students who have earned less than 28 semester hours.
A student must be in good judicial, academic, and financial standing in order to be considered for admission to the University.
International Students
UMES is certified by the Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) for acceptance and certification of international students, through Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
International students should apply well in advance (a six-month period is recommended) of the beginning of the fall or spring semester in the prescribed manner. The application must be completed in all respects and must be accompanied by proof of financial self-sufficiency and knowledge of English. Students from non-English speaking countries should forward the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This test is administered by Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey 08450.
International students must request their high school, secondary school, and/or other institutions of higher education to forward copies of transcripts, mark sheets, diplomas, or degrees directly to the Office of Admissions. Documents attached to the application will not normally be accepted unless certified by United States Officials abroad. International students must receive permission from the Immigration, Customs and Enforcement in order to accept off-campus part-time employment in the United States. Employment approval is considered after receiving a recommendation from the Designated School Official (DSO) located in the Office of Admissions.
An international student will receive an I-20 Form only after acceptance to the University, which will enable the securing of the proper visa from the Office of the American Consulates abroad.
The thirty-five dollar ($35.00) application fee should be submitted with the admissions application.
niversity, which will enable the securing of the proper visa from the Office of the American Consulates abroad. The twenty-five dollar ($25.00) processing fee should be submitted with the application and should be in American check or currency.
Direct Transfer and Articulation Agreements
UMES fully ascribes to the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) Articulation Agreement. UMES has direct transfer agreements with all Maryland community colleges, many out-of-state community colleges, and all University of System of Maryland institutions. Direct transfer allows automatic admission and transfer of all college level credits of a “C” or better. See Appendix 1 for full text of applicable MHEC regulations.
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