Apply to college at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore—where you can transform yourself and transform the world
We’re excited that you’re interested in applying for college at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. As one of the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the country, we welcome applicants of every cultural and socioeconomic background who meet our qualifications and can carry on the Hawk name to greatness.
Admission to UMES is granted to those applicants whose academic qualifications indicate that they have the potential to succeed in college. Decisions for admissions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year. We strive to notify prospective students of a decision within 1–2 weeks from receiving a complete college application and all required documents. On this page you will find all the information you need regarding how to apply to college at UMES, how to fill out the Common App, and the important dates you need to know as you apply to college. We also provide information for nontraditional students and students seeking dual enrollment at UMES.
What We Look for in Our College Applicants
We know that when you apply to college, one of the most frustrating parts is figuring out whether you are a right fit for the school you are interested in. Here’s some important information to consider before you begin your college application for UMES:
We typically look for students who have taken more challenging classes (which can vary from school to school) and have done well in them. For First-Time Freshmen submitting a college application, we also look at standardized test scores, if you choose to submit them (UMES has a test optional policy for the college application).
First-Time Freshmen minimum high school course requirements:
- English: 3 units
- Mathematics: 2 units
- Natural Sciences: 2 units
- Social Sciences: 2 units
First-Time Freshmen who want to apply to college at UMES should have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) and Transfer Students should have a minimum grade point average of 2.0. There are special admission programs to assist students that fall below the minimum GPA.
UMES also considers the following factors when making admissions decisions:
- class rank
- pattern of courses completed
- educational objectives
- standardized test scores (optional)
- recommendation letters (optional)
- record of past conduct
Application Process
The first step when you apply for college at UMES is to choose one of the application platforms that we offer that meets your needs. College application options include:
The next step in the college application process is to send your required and supporting documents to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.
After you apply for college at UMES, make sure to monitor the email address you provided on your application. This is where you will receive information and updates regarding your college application. Only submit one application total. Submitting duplicate applications via different platforms may delay the decision process.
Important Dates for Your College Application
When you apply to college at UMES, make sure to keep the following dates in mind to ensure that your college application is received on time and so that we can review it and respond as soon as a decision is reached:
- Fall 2023 application priority deadline: February 15th
- Fall 2023 enrollment deposit due: May 1st
How to Apply to College as a Readmission Student
If you previously attended UMES and you’re wondering how to apply for college readmission at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
Suite 1120, 1st Floor, Student Development Center
Princess Anne, MD 21853
Phone: 410-651-6413 / 410-651-6414
Fax: 410-651-7844 Email: Registrar@umes.edu
Apply to College as a Non-Degree-Seeking Student
If you aren’t interested in earning a baccalaureate degree, you can apply to college at UMES as a non-degree-seeking, or special, student. These students may enroll in undergraduate courses for which they possess the necessary prerequisites but may not enroll in courses restricted to degree-seeking students only.
Apply to College as a Dual-Enrollment Student
There’s no better way to prepare for college success and graduate sooner than dual enrolling at UMES while you are currently enrolled in high school. Take college classes to earn high school credits and make your college application more impressive with dual enrollment at UMES.
University System of Maryland at Hagerstown
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has several campuses across Maryland to make it easier to earn your degree wherever you live in the state. If you want to apply for college at UMES to study Hospitality and Tourism Management, you can complete your degree at our beautiful Hagerstown campus.
The Universities at Shady Grove
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore also offers degree completion programs at the Universities at Shady Grove in Hospitality and Tourism Management and Construction Management Technology. If you want to apply for college to become a hotel manager, chef, or construction site manager, check out the Universities at Shady Grove.
Career and Technical Education Certificate at the Baltimore Museum of Industry (BMI)
Are you an educator who plans to apply for college at UMES to take courses at the undergraduate level and earn Professional and Technical Education (PTE) certification or Work-Based Learning (WBL) endorsement? If so, learn how to apply to college through BMI to further your career and increase your leadership potential.
Golden ID Program
If you’re a retired citizen over the age of 60 and want to apply to college to learn something new, our Golden Identification Program will let you take college classes without paying tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know that when you’re learning about how to apply to college, many questions can come up the more you learn about the college application process. That’s why we’ve compiled this FAQ to answer some of the most important questions about applying to college. Whether you want to learn how to use the Common App or are a transfer student looking for resources, we’ve got you covered.
Take the Next Step
Soar above and beyond as a Hawk at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Our wonderful Admissions and Recruitment team has your back and can answer your questions and help you when you’re ready to apply to college at UMES.
