Successful Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) students share our commitment to agriculture and natural resources; have the academic preparation necessary to be successful in university coursework; and want to be part of a vibrant, inclusive community of students. We evaluate every application holistically, looking for these qualities. The short essays (of which the first three are required, 250-400 words each) are central to the admissions decision; we also look for other evidence of the student’s engagement with agriculture and natural resources. Although the IAA does not have a specific GPA or test score requirement, we consider evidence of academic readiness in the form of high school or prior college grades, standardized test scores (which are optional), or successful completion of prior credentials.
Admission to the IAA is granted without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or disability.
Apply by January 5 for Spring admission and August 5 for Fall admission.
Admission Requirements -
High School Records:
To be admitted into the IAA, students must be high school graduates or have the equivalent documentation. The IAA must receive an official high school transcript with verification of graduation. Admission prior to graduation from high school will be conditional until the student completes the high school curriculum and has a final official transcript sent to UMD.
Standardized Tests:
Applicants may opt not to submit results from either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT).
If you have taken the SAT or ACT, please send your scores directly to UMD. The code to submit SAT scores is 5814. The code to submit ACT scores is 1746.
Previous College Records:
Students with prior college experience are to submit transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended. College transcripts will be reviewed for admission purposes and transfer course credit. College transcripts take precedence over high school transcripts in determining admission.
Additional Criteria:
Standardized test scores and grade-point averages (GPA) on selected courses will be used to help determine the applicant's potential for academic success, but they are not the sole factors in deciding the applicant's admissibility. Personal interviews and letters of recommendation may also be considered.
Agriculture Forward at Maryland
To be considered for Ag Forward, applicants must:
- Be a first-time college student
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 upon graduation from high school
- Possess U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
- Submit an application for admission to the IAA by March 15 for the Fall semester
When to Apply:
Students may apply any time after they have completed their junior year of high school. Apply by January 5 for Spring admission and by August 5 for Fall admission to our certificate programs. For Ag Forward, applications are due by March 15.
