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Undergraduate Admissions at McDaniel

Considering applying to McDaniel College? Prospective students can expect a personalized undergraduate admissions process that takes into account the individual strengths of each applicant. The college seeks to accept approximately 500 first-year students per year, and also welcomes applications from those wishing to transfer from community colleges or other four-year institutions. All applicants are encouraged to approach the process with an eagerness to benefit from a liberal arts education through active learning partnerships.

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If you're looking to take the next step in your academic journey, McDaniel makes the application process easy. Our admissions counselors are here for you from start to finish--from visiting our campus and using our admissions resources to submitting an application or Common Application. Start applying now and be part of the McDaniel community!

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How to Apply to McDaniel College

First-Year Students

If you have not earned your high school diploma (even if you are currently enrolled in college courses through a dual enrollment program) or have graduated from high school but have fewer than 12 transferable college credits, you will apply as a First-Year applicant.

Transfer Students

If you have earned your high school diploma and have more than 12 transferable college credits, you will apply as a Transfer applicant.  If you are a dual enrollment student and have not graduated from high school, you will apply as a First-Year student and not as a Transfer applicant.

2nd Bachelor's Degree Students

If you have already earned a Bachelor's Degree and wish to earn another at McDaniel, you'll need to complete the Application for Second Bachelor's Degree and submit an official copy of your undergraduate transcript with degree and date of graduation.

Applying for Re-Admission

If you attended McDaniel in the past, and wish to return to complete your degree, you'll need to submit the McDaniel Application for Re-Admission along with an official transcript for any college you have attended since leaving McDaniel.

International Students

​If you are a non-U.S. citizen living outside of the United States or have a current Visa but are living in the United States, you would apply as either a First-Year or Transfer student and will have additional application requirements.  Also, you must select a fall semester start term. A spring semester start term is not possible.​​

You are considered a domestic applicant if you are a dual U.S. citizen, a U.S. Permanent Resident, or have either U.S. Refugee/Asylum, DACA, or undocumented status.​ You should apply as a First-Year or Transfer student.

Gap Year Information & Support

If you are a current high school senior preparing for a gap year experience, we will be working closely with you to ensure a seamless enrollment process at McDaniel. 

Important Dates & Deadlines

  • November 1
  • November 15
    • Early Action I Application Deadline for fall semester
  • December 1
    • Application Deadline for spring semester
  • December 15
    • Final application deadline if you wish to be considered for the Honors Program or a Presidential Scholarship award
    • Early Action II Application Deadline for fall semester
  • January 15
    • Deposit Deadline for spring semester
  • February 1
    • Regular Decision Deadline for fall semester (Applications will still be considered on a space-available basis throughout the July 15th final deadline.)

    • Final Application Deadline for fall semester for international students living outside of the United States.

  • March 1
    • Preferred FAFSA Submission Deadline (yes, you can still submit your FAFSA and receive financial aid after this deadline, however submitting your FAFSA by March 1 ensures you will be eligible for the maximum amount of financial aid!)
    • Priority Decision Transfer Application Deadline for fall semester
  • May 1
    • National Reply and Deposit Deadline for Fall semester
  • July 15
    • Payment Deadline for fall semester
    • Regular Decision Final Deadline for fall semester

Check Application Status

Take a minute to login to your personal McDaniel Admission Portal to check your status and view your Application Checklist. (You will need to create your McDaniel Admissions Account first.)

Net Price Calculator

McDaniel College is pleased to provide this net price calculator as a guide to assist in early financial planning for college. This calculator will provide a preliminary estimate of federal, state and institutional aid eligibility to help families gauge what aid the student may be awarded and to make arrangements to cover the cost of attendance. 

Contact your Admissions Counselor

Our admissions professionals love working one on one with students to best determine fit and take the anxiety out of the admissions process. Reach out to your counselor today, because we want to help you realize how you can reach your goals through authentic experiences and deep connections here on the Hill. Find your counselor.

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Learn More About McDaniel Scholarships

When you apply to McDaniel, we’ll use your application, transcript and any supporting documents you submit to consider you for a McDaniel Merit Scholarship. Merit scholarships range from $18,000-$33,000 per year. 

Explore Merit Scholarship Options
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Nov 1 Application Deadline Early Decision at McDaniel

Learn early if you have been admitted to McDaniel — then enjoy the rest of your senior year with your admissions process behind you.!

If you have decided that McDaniel College is your first choice, we invite you to consider our Early Decision plan. Early Decision plans are binding — a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend McDaniel. There are numerous benefits to applying Early Decision including:

  • Priority class registration
  • Guaranteed parking permit
  • Housing and meal plan upgrades
Early Decision at McDaniel
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Priority Registration Veteran Students Credit for Training & Experience

The College encourages applications from veterans and their family members. McDaniel College provides a Veterans Affairs Coordinator to assist families utilizing veterans’ benefits and services. Veteran students who are members or former members of the Armed Forces of the United States are also granted priority registration for enrollment.

McDaniel College offers evaluation of military training and experience for college credit. All credit granted for military training is given based on the American Council on Education (ACE) guide recommendations. Veterans of the United States Armed Services may receive credit for the required physical activity courses if they provide appropriate documentation of their service.

Military & Veteran Benefits Read about Veteran Doug Starliper' 21
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Academic Excellence The Honors Program: December 15 Application Deadline Rewarding Student Effort

Students who submit a complete application for admission by December 15 are automatically considered for the Honors program. Based on a combination of core high school GPA, writing samples, honors classes, AP classes, class ranks, and any other areas of significant achievement, your admissions counselor will identify you as a potential Honors student and you will be invited to apply. Students who are invited to apply to the Honors Program are also invited to the college's annual Scholars on the Hill event and if they attend, may be considered for additional merit scholarships that begin at $1000 per year. 

Learn More About the Honors Program
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Admitted Students How to Deposit & Next Steps

Congratulations on your acceptance to McDaniel! We hope you've taken the time to celebrate this impressive accomplishment. It's just the first step in what we know will be a successful future.

When you're ready, choose McDaniel by submitting your $500 confirming enrollment deposit. 

 

Admitted Students: Next Steps Ready to Deposit?

Connect With Us

Office of Admissions

Phone: 410-857-2230

Office: Carroll Hall

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Learn More About McDaniel Scholarships

When you apply to McDaniel, we’ll use your application, transcript and any supporting documents you submit to consider you for a McDaniel Merit Scholarship. Merit scholarships range from $18,000-$33,000 per year. 

Explore Merit Scholarship Options
McDaniel College
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD, 21157
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