I will be applying to UMD college park this fall and was wondering whether with my scores, gpa, and ECs, would I have better chances applying in-state or out-of-state? My parents are divorced and I could establish residency before applying in either California or Maryland. I ask this because I am unsure of whether UMD accepts more out of state students because the tuition is higher (they get more money), or if I should apply in-state, and save my family the money.
GPA- 3.7 unweighted/4.2 weighted
SAT- 1780 first try(will be taking again) CR+M- 1230
ACT- will be taking in the fall, but 27 on practice tests
ECs- mostly volunteer work at local hospital & food shelters, etc. & jobs I have worked. && I don’t have many clubs/etc.
Thanks in advance, any help is greatly appreciated.
If you can apply as in state(IS), that is without question the better option. There are two advantages to doing so:
- The very obvious HUGE financial difference (the reduced financial strain on the family will make everybody happier (less tension all around) and that may create possibilities for funding of a few extra/other things like study abroad, a nicer computer, etc). However, understand that establishing residency in Maryland for tuition purposes is not a cake walk. You would need to actually attend high school in Maryland, not just have mail sent to an address. So, if you are in Cali now, you need to consider if you want to leave your current high school and start someplace else being the new kid in school just for your senior year.
Here is the pertinent info: (full pdf of rules available via this page http://www.registrar.umd.edu/resreclass.html)
In-state Status
To qualify for in-state tuition, a student must demonstrate that, for at least twelve (12) consecutive months immediately prior to and including the last date available to register for courses in the semester/term for which the student seeks in-state tuition status, the student had the continuous intent to:
- Make Maryland his or her permanent home; and
- Abandon his or her former home state; and
- Reside in Maryland indefinitely; and
- Reside in Maryland primarily for a purpose other than that of attending an educational institution in Maryland.
Satisfying all of the requirements in Section II (and Section III, when applicable) of this policy demonstrates continuous intent and qualifies a student for in-state tuition. Students not entitled to in-state status under this policy shall be assigned out-of-state status for admission and tuition purposes.
- As long as you apply by the Nov 1 priority, you will have a better chance of getting in as IS because, as a public, state university, they are mandated to take a certain percent of Maryland residents. Typically, this results in a larger range of stats they will admit (meaning "easier") for IS applicants. With a CR of 1230 you would be borderline as an OOS applicant but more comfortable as IS applicant. Since there is a smaller percent of OOS students they can enroll, the competition for the limited number of spots is higher, so they can be more "selective" for OOS applicant stats.
However, if you are currently in California, and you don’t want to move to Maryland for your senior year, don’t lose hope. The fact that the OOS residence is California is actually an advantage for admission (similar to “a hook”) since the distance makes you appealing with respect to geographic diversity. So, while you are at the low end of being “in range” for standardized test scores, you are still “in range” and have geographic diversity going for you (along with your good gpa, too!!!).
Whatever you decide, just make sure to apply by November 1, and pay attention to essays and short answers.
@maryversity Hi, thank you so so much for your help, one question, where does it state that I have to have attended a Maryland high school? When it says I have to have lived in MD for one year prior to applying, is that what you’re referring to? Besides that, I can/would be able to meet the requirements if I were to move to Maryland.
It doesn’t. However, for all practical purposes, if you are applying in your senior year, I can’t see how else you can establish (proof) full-time residency for a year prior to enrollment to qualify for IS tuition as a freshman. If you want to be “reclassifed” as IS, then that is a horse of a different color (meaning OOS tuition for that first year while establishing residency for remaining years - things (from a practical standpoint) you need to change are your driver’s license, insurance, etc). They look very critically at all the “evidence” of residency, and if there is any question, you won’t get it. However, if you attend a high school in Maryland, and have other things like license, etc that’s pretty hard to refute that you are actually residing in Maryland. If you show “proof” of residency but attend a high school in California, you will definitely be hard-pressed to prove it’s not a move on paper only for tuition purposes.
We have paid taxes in Maryland for MANY years, and my step-daughter was born in Maryland, and her dad lived in Maryland every year of her life. However, she graduated from HS in PA, so she did NOT qualify for in-state tuition. They are pretty strict when it comes to determining in-state status, and I haven’t heard of it in MD, but some states are actually starting to prosecute people who try to get around the rules. Don’t mean to be a “downer” but do be careful. Maryland is a great school, and California also has some very good schools.
@1214mom hi, unfortunately I agree and I wouldn’t qualify for in-state tuition freshman year… thanks for your help though!
No problem. Good luck with your college search.