I understand that some students get spring admits for UMD. But then they can enroll in FC, where they can attend classes and live on campus. So how is that different from regular admittance? I mean, I know the FC classes are at off-peak class times but other than that … why have this program? Seems like it would be easier to just restrict some freshman to when they can enroll in classes.
They have had this program for a long time. It allows them to have extra students that will fill in the spots of students who drop out their first semester. These students might not have gotten in regular decision due to a lower GPA or SAT/ACT and the school doesn’t include them in their stats for incoming Freshman. Other students might make it in due to being in an LEP and being OOS.
Not only do students drop out, but UMD has a Winter (December) Graduation which frees up resources (professors, labs, and classrooms) for the Spring semester.
Thanks that’s very helpful. The UMD info is kind of vague but these answers help me understand the program.
How many people get freshman connection
Just to clarify, in response to the phrasing of “how many people get Freshman Connection (FC),” the application decision is Spring Admission, not Freshman Connection. All students who receive the decision for Spring Admission are ELIGIBLE to participate in FC, but it is not an automatic thing. Not all Spring Admits elect to do FC - some work, some go abroad, etc. There are limited spots available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Washington Post article I posted on another thread about the FC program mentioned the number of 1,100. I am not clear whether that means 1,100 in the FC program or 1,100 Spring Admits. So…if you do get admitted for Spring, here is the info about enrolling in FC https://oes.umd.edu/incoming-current-visiting-students/freshmen-connection/enroll-freshmen-connection
Here’s that article again
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/u-mds-unusual-admissions-approach-one-out-of-every-five-freshmen-start-in-spring-term/2014/01/31/21d99a64-8794-11e3-916e-e01534b1e132_story.html?utm_term=.cca6432a8ba0
@maryversity thanks - that is super helpful. So everyone who is a spring admit can do FC? You don’t have to compete for it? We’re kinda tired of competing! 
That’s right. Check their web page. I believe FC enrollment starts on March 1. One of my D’s apartment mates started in FC and is now graduating in May.