The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) is renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to empowering students through financial support. The President’s Scholarship is the university’s most prestigious merit-based scholarship, awarded to exceptional students who demonstrate academic brilliance, leadership, and a passion for making a positive impact on the world.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the President’s Scholarship at UMD, prospective students must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Have a cumulative high school GPA of 4.0 or higher (unweighted)
- Score at least 1550 on the SAT or 36 on the ACT
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and extracurricular involvement
- Submit a compelling essay outlining their aspirations and how they plan to use their education to contribute to society
Benefits of the President’s Scholarship
The President’s Scholarship at UMD provides comprehensive financial support and academic opportunities to its recipients. Benefits include:
- Full tuition and fees: Recipients are fully funded for four years of undergraduate study, regardless of family income or financial need.
- Living expenses grants: Students receive an annual stipend to cover housing, meals, and other living expenses.
- Academic enrichment opportunities: Recipients have access to exclusive mentorship programs, research opportunities, and study abroad experiences.
- Priority registration: President’s Scholars have priority registration for courses, ensuring they secure the classes they need for their academic success.
Application Process
The application process for the President’s Scholarship is highly competitive. Interested students should submit their applications through the UMD Undergraduate Admissions portal. The following materials are required:
- Official high school transcript
- SAT or ACT scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Portfolio of extracurricular activities
The deadline for applications is typically in November or December for students who wish to enroll in the fall semester following high school graduation.
Success Stories
Over the years, the President’s Scholarship at UMD has transformed the lives of countless exceptional students. Here are some inspiring testimonials:
- Sarah Johnson (Class of 2022): “The President’s Scholarship gave me the financial freedom to pursue my passion for engineering and study abroad in Singapore. I am now working as a software engineer at Google and using my skills to make a meaningful impact on the tech industry.”
- Michael Smith (Class of 2020): “The mentorship and support I received as a President’s Scholar helped me develop my leadership abilities and secure a summer internship at the National Institutes of Health. I am now a medical student at Johns Hopkins University, fulfilling my dream of becoming a doctor.”
Tips for Success
To increase your chances of receiving the President’s Scholarship at UMD, consider the following tips:
- Maintain a stellar academic record: Work hard to achieve a high GPA and take challenging courses.
- Excel on standardized tests: Aim for a high score on the SAT or ACT, which are important factors in the selection process.
- Get involved in your community: Participate in extracurricular activities that showcase your leadership and passion for making a difference.
- Craft a compelling essay: Take time to write an essay that clearly articulates your aspirations, values, and how you plan to use your education to contribute to society.
FAQs
1. What is the average GPA of President’s Scholars at UMD?
The average GPA of President’s Scholars is typically above 4.2.
2. How many President’s Scholars are selected each year?
UMD typically awards around 25 President’s Scholarships each year.
3. Does the President’s Scholarship cover all expenses?
Yes, the President’s Scholarship covers full tuition, fees, and living expenses.
4. Are international students eligible for the President’s Scholarship?
International students are not eligible for the President’s Scholarship, but they may be eligible for other merit-based scholarships offered by UMD.
