Hey folks, I'm stressing out here. My dream school is University of Maryland, and I want to know what GPA makes me a competitive applicant. Can you guys tell me how important GPA really is for UMD?
University of Maryland (UMD) doesn't list an absolute minimum GPA for admission. However, it helps to understand what typical admitted students' profiles look like. Looking at UMD's Class Profile, the average high school GPA of admitted students is 4.45 on a weighted scale. Getting near this average could put you in a good position.
However, keep in mind that GPA isn't the only factor they consider. The academic rigor of your coursework matters, too—advanced classes, such as AP or IB, can show your ability to handle the college-level work. Additionally, your extracurricular involvements, community service, leadership roles, and personal essays will play a significant role as well.
That said, if your GPA is below this range, don't lose hope. UMD makes admissions decisions on a holistic basis, meaning they consider a number of factors beyond just GPA and academic qualifications. They will look at your application as a whole, including your essays, recommendation letters, and extracurricular activities, among others. Show them who you are beyond your grades, and your passions outside the classroom.
Remember, each student's case is unique, so continue to work hard and present your strongest application!
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