<p>My SAT scores were a little low for UMD and I am TERRIFIED that they will keep me from acceptance. I had a 1030/1600 (MD doesn't use the writing section as I recall) and I have a 3.6 UW/ 3.9 W. I feel like my recommendations and essays were the only really strong points of my application but if they don't read them I have no chance!!!!</p>
<p>Why would they not read them if they asked for them? I’m not being funny, I’m really curious as to why you think they wouldn’t read your essays. Are you asking how much weight they put on the essays?</p>
<p>Since they ask for them I think it is safe to assume they read most of them.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t be surprised if UMD doesn’t put much time into applications that they feel are inferior numbers wise though. A good essay probably won’t save a lower GPA or SAT/ACT.</p>
<p>No I was just wondering. I had heard that sometimes they don’t read the essays because its such a big school and simply play a number game.</p>
<p>UMD is a big school, yes, but that only means they have more admissions officers to go through all the applications. They will absolutely read your essays, even if only once. However, I agree with some of the other replies: some recommendations and essays aren’t going to drastically improve your chances if your standard stats are low.</p>
<p>Once you meet the minimum criteria of stats to be considered for admission, they will read your essays. If you don’t meet the minimum stats for admission, they will not read your essays.</p>
<p>Essays are used to evaluate which programs they will consider inviting you to, and can be part of the evaluation for merit scholarship offers. </p>
<p>From the school website, here are just a few of the examples citing essays as part of the evaluative process…</p>
<p>For CIVICUS</p>
<p>“You were invited because your admissions essays, letters of recommendation, and activities in high school and your community reflect your positive leadership, involvement, and motivation.”</p>
<p>For Honors</p>
<p>“Invitations to the Honors College are extended to new first-year students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and promise. Students applications are carefully evaluated on the basis of academic achievement in high school, rigor of high school program, application essays, letters of recommendation, participation in extracurricular activities (including work and home responsibilities), and standardized test scores.”</p>
<p>For Presidential Scholarships</p>
<p>“Recipients are identified through evaluation of the admission application materials. Academic achievement, extracurricular activities, awards, honors, and an essay are the criteria reviewed.”</p>