I have kind of been stressing out about getting into the LEPs at UMCP.
For me personally, I really REALLY want to get into the Biological Science: Neurobiology and Physiology program. I have taken AP Bio (scored a 4, the exam last year sucked ) and I am taking AP Chemistry and AP AB Calc right now (I’ve also taken AP Lang/AP NSL, but that’s irrelevant). I have a 4.16 WGPA, a 1300 SAT (old), a 790 SAT II Bio-M, and I’m coming from one of the big W high schools in MCPS. I’ve also taken the September ACT, so I’m just waiting on my results.
Would it be hard for me to get into the aforementioned program? And is it easier to get into certain LEPs compared to other ones (I was also considering Biochemistry, is that easier to get into than N&P?)
And just a general question if it can be answered: Does anyone know if there is a GPA range or range of some requirements for these LEPs? If so, please specify!
While I can’t speak for the LEP you are looking at, I can tell you that at least with engineering (also an LEP), it is not just test scores. There are students that are invited to Honors College and Scholars that don’t get admitted to the LEP they apply to, as each LEP reviews applicants as a separate process from admissions and Honors/Scholars reviews. They each have their own criteria, and it is a holistic evaluation. Don’t apply to a program based on whether you think it would be easier to be admitted, but rather apply to the program you are passionate about.
Whatever you do, be sure to apply by November 1st deadline as that will give you your best shot. Best of luck.
But, in the case that a student does not get a direct admission into a LEP, they can do an internal transfer. The following link describes the process for an internal transfer. It basically involves taking certain Gateway courses and getting the required Grade. As you can see, these are the exact same courses that the Biological Sciences LEP direct freshman admits take.
This next link shows the courses you can get credit for, based on your AP test score. Based on your Biology AP test score you already have credit for BSCI 105 and 106. A 4 on AP Chemistry will give you credit for CHEM 131 and 132 and a 4 on AP Calc AB will give you credit for MATH 140. That gives you credit for all the Gateway courses except CHEM 230/231. The only other question is whether the Biology AP credit includes the Lab courses, but that could be answered before you make any final decisions
Internal transfers, except for Business. are NOT competitive. Complete the Gateway courses with the required grade,. fill out the paper work and you are in the LEP
So, apply by Nov 1 and see what happens. Good Luck
) and I am taking AP Chemistry and AP AB Calc right now (I’ve also taken AP Lang/AP NSL, but that’s irrelevant). I have a 4.16 WGPA, a 1300 SAT (old), a 790 SAT II Bio-M, and I’m coming from one of the big W high schools in MCPS. I’ve also taken the September ACT, so I’m just waiting on my results.