UMD GPA scale and grading policy
Quick answer: University of Maryland, College Park uses the standard 4.0 scale with +/−. Maryland uses a recalculated GPA based on core academic subjects. AP and IB receive additional weight.
| Metric | UMD Standard |
|---|---|
| Typical admit GPA | 3.9 - 4.3 weighted |
| Good standing minimum | 2.0 |
| Dean's List threshold | 3.5+ for Dean's List |
| Scale type | Standard 4.0 scale with +/−. |
How Maryland recalculates GPA for admission
Maryland uses a recalculated GPA based on core academic subjects. AP and IB receive additional weight. The number you submit on your transcript and the number UMD uses in its admission decision may differ. Use the calculator above to model both — switch the preset to match Maryland's policy.
Maintaining a good UMD GPA
- Track cumulative GPA, not just semester GPA. University of Maryland, College Park reports both. Most academic warnings trigger on the cumulative number.
- Use the credit-weighted scoring above.A 4-credit course's grade affects your GPA 33% more than a 3-credit course's grade.
- Plan for honors. 3.5+ for Dean's List. Use the GPA Goal Calculator to see what grade average you need next semester to qualify.
- Check the grade replacement policy. Maryland, like most universities, has a grade-replacement policy for retaken courses. Removing a low grade from the cumulative is the single biggest GPA lift.