University of Maryland Overview:
The University of Maryland has grown over the last 151 years to become a nationally-ranked, premier research university. As the state’s flagship university it has the largest and most diverse student body, the most comprehensive range of academic programs and the most competitive admissions standards. The University of Maryland boasts 91 programs ranked in the top 25, top-notch faculty, and a variety of learning experiences extending beyond the classroom. The University is the state's premier center for research, advancing knowledge and providing high quality undergraduate education. A publicly supported, land-grant institution, Maryland is dedicated to educating the most promising students in the state, the nation and the world.
Admissions: Our application review process is rigorous, comprehensive and individualized. Each applicant receives a complete file review. This assessment is based on achievements and potential in a broad range of academic and extracurricular categories, viewed in the context of the opportunities and challenges the applicant faced. Each year, we receive more than 20,000 applications for a fall freshman class of 4,100 and approximately 6,500 transfer applications for 2,200 transfer spaces. The Admission Committee considers all aspects of a student's qualifications and offers admission to the most competitive applicants in order to build a talented, diverse and interesting entering class. The most successful applicants demonstrate a balance of outstanding academic achievement and extracurricular involvement.
Academics and Student Life: The University of Maryland boasts 31 academic programs ranked in the top 10 nationally and 92 academic programs in the top 25 according to U.S. News and World report. By drawing top-notch faculty, attracting the brightest students and investing in the quality of our academic programs, we are a force to reckon with on a national basis. There are a number of special academic programs at the University of Maryland designed to help students become part of the Maryland community and make important connections with faculty, staff and other students. Many incoming students to the University take part in these programs which give them an invaluable living and learning experience. In addition to these programs designed for entering freshman, there are a number of other opportunities from study abroad to undergraduate research to engage you in an amazing college experience.
Getting involved at the University of Maryland couldn't be easier with more than 500 clubs, hundreds of cultural events, fraternities and sororities, movies, speakers, concerts, and sports. Looking for a fencing club, a cappella singing group, mock trial team, a Buddhist Thought and Meditation Group or ballroom dancing? We've got you covered. In addition, Maryland has an active and growing program of community and volunteer services that can connect you with local and national organizations for elder care, tutoring, mentoring, or environmental action.
Parents: Few choices in a student’s life have as great an impact as the choice of attending college or university. At the same time, gaining admission to college today is extremely difficult. There are more students, too few spaces and the competition is intense. The final decision can be overwhelming and the admissions process stressful. At Houston Academics, Inc., we help to streamline the college admissions process for parents and students with proven college application strategies that work. We begin with a planning session to assess strengths and determine current and future academic goals. Houston Academics, Inc. staff will work with a student-client to develop an appropriate admissions strategy which includes: academic planning and course selection, planning for next year's high school courses, college application assistance, resume and essay review, strategic interview techniques, and working closely with college admissions officers. Our service also includes summer and winter break planning, identifying and developing a student's "hook," and improving the student's motivation, goal-setting, time management, and prioritization skills.
Through our comprehensive evaluative and assessment process, we are able to identify each student’s specific needs and requirements for determining the best academic choices. Our assessment components include: in depth parent/guardian interviews, strategic planning for testing (when and which SAT I, SAT IIs, and APs to take), planning the junior and senior year courses and extracurricular activities (community service, employment, summer programs, etc.), planning college visits, selecting and approaching teachers for letters of recommendation, creating the skills summary and assistance with writing at least one personal statement/essay before the end of the student's junior year. We are available not only during school hours, but after school, evenings and weekends in person as well as by phone, fax and email. Additionally, we help students keep organized, stay motivated and hit deadlines throughout the application process.
