Pre-College Scholars Program
Sharpen your test-taking strategies and advanced math skills while learning more about Maryland Engineering!
Program Description
The goal of the Clark School Pre-College Scholars Program is to recruit talented students to attend the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland. The program recruits students in the 10th and 11th grades (rising juniors and seniors) who have an interest in and aptitude for mathematics, science, and/or engineering.
Program Components
- Extensive SAT preparation in a small classroom setting
- Engagement with University of Maryland students, faculty, and staff to gain experience in the field of engineering
- Workshops on college admissions and applying for financial aid
- One-on-one assistance with the college application process
There will be approximately 38 hours of SAT prep class instruction and 11 hours of college prep instruction, for 3 weeks, Monday through Friday. Students will also attend information sessions from each of our eight engineering departments. All programming will be held in person, on the campus of the University of Maryland. Students in the program are required to attend all sessions, mandatory orientation, and administration of the pre- and post-tests.
Program Dates
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| TBD | Student/Parent Orientation |
| Monday, July 7 | Program Start Date/Pre-Test Administration |
| Friday, July 25 | Program End Date/Post-test Administration |
Please note that participation in the Pre-College Scholars Program does not guarantee admission to the University of Maryland.
Sample Daily Schedule*
| Day | Time | Activity |
| Monday - Friday | 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. | SAT Prep - Math |
| Monday - Friday | 10:25 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | SAT Prep - Critical Reading |
| Monday - Friday | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Departmental Presentation or College Prep Workshop |
*Students will receive a detailed schedule before orientation and the start of the program.
Cost
The entire program costs $400 per student. Scholarships are available for students with demonstrated financial need. Please email futureengineer@umd.edu for more information.
Eligibility
All students attending a high school in Maryland are eligible to apply; however, preference will be given to students who attend school or reside in Prince George's County or Baltimore City, Maryland, Washington, DC, or one of the select high schools in Montgomery County, Maryland:
- Albert Einstein HS
- John F. Kennedy HS
- Northwood HS
- Wheaton HS
Students MUST also meet the following requirements:
- Currently in the tenth or eleventh grade (i.e. rising juniors and seniors).
- Have a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA.
Materials/Technical Requirements
Program participation will require:
- Access to Laptop Computer/Desktop Computer/Tablet with broadband (high-speed) Internet connection with a consistent minimum speed of 1.5 Mbps.
- A student account set up on the College Board and Khan Academy.
- Additional materials may be needed at the request of the program instructors.
How To Apply
Students must submit*:
- The online application includes a personal statement essay addressing the following prompt: Why would you like to participate in the Pre-College Scholars Program? What are your interests in the University of Maryland and the Clark School? Please feel free to share your past experiences, extra-curricular activities, and strengths in your essay.
- The essay should be one page, 12 pt. font, and double-spaced using Microsoft Word or PDF format only.
- An official copy of high school transcript
- An official copy of PSAT and/or SAT scores (if applicable)
*The University of Maryland recognizes and values the privacy of university community members and its guests and strives to be leaders and set the standard in which we manage personal information. For more information, please review the University of Maryland's Privacy Notice.
Application Deadline
Applications must be completed by Friday, May 16, 2025. Students with completed applications will be notified of their acceptance status by Friday, May 30, 2025. After May 30th, if spaces remain, additional students may be accepted on a rolling basis.
Contact Information
Ms. Aishah Briscoe, Assistant Program Director for Undergraduate Outreach and Recruitment
A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland
1126E Glenn L. Martin Hall, College Park, MD 20742
Email: FutureEngineer@umd.edu
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