Admission Information
Through the admissions process, Notre Dame of Maryland University attempts to determine the intellectual potential and growth of each student. A student’s academic record, high school and/or college curriculum, and standardized test scores are good indicators of these qualities. However, the process also includes a close review of the student’s special interests, talents, letter of recommendation, the admission essay or writing sample, and information from the personal interview. All of this information helps the University assess the unique and essential characteristics defining a successful Notre Dame of Maryland University student.
Women's College or College of Adult Undergraduate Studies?
Applying to the Women's College
Transfer/Adult Learners: Applying to the Women's College or the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies
Applying as an International Student
Becoming a Notre Dame Student
Matriculant and Non-Matriculant Status
Full-Time/Part-Time Student Status
Test Information
Readmission
Veteran Student Readmissions Policy
Options for Earning Credit
Advanced Placement
Credit for Live/Career Experience
College Courses Taken While in High School
International Baccalaureate
Transfer Credit
Other Examination Credit
Women's College or College of Adult Undergraduate Studies?
Although many degrees and Majors are offered through both the Women's College and the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies (CAUS), there are significant differences in their populations and scheduling. To determine whether the Women's College or CAUS is the most appropriate for you, see the college descriptions under Academic Information.
Applying to the Women's College
A strong college preparatory program in high school is the best preparation for success at Notre Dame of Maryland University. Therefore, the Admissions Committee places the greatest emphasis on the type and strength of courses completed and the grades earned. Accepted students usually rank in the top half of their class. Applicants are required to be prospective graduates of a high school accredited by the regional association of the College Board or of an approved home school program. A minimum of 18 academic units distributed as follows is required:
English - 4 units
Foreign Language - 2 units
Mathematics, College Preparatory - 3 units
Science - 3 units
History - 2 units
Electives - 4 units
The Admissions Committee may accept a student who lacks one or more of the stated requirements, but whose high school record and standardized testing show academic ability.
For more specific information regarding admission to the Women's College, go to our page Applying to the Women's College.
Transfer/Adult Learners: Applying to the Women's College or College of Adult Undergraduate Studies
Notre Dame of Maryland University welcomes applications from qualified transfer students and first-time and returning adult learners.
Adult learners applying as first-time college students should possess a strong college preparatory high school record. This record will be reviewed along with a written essay to assess ability to succeed at NDMU. Adult students entering with no college credits will also be required to take the College Board Accuplacer Exam (this admissions/placement test can be scheduled through the CAUS Admissions Office). An interview with a transfer counselor (Women's College) or an enrollment manager (College of Adult Undergraduate Studies) is highly recommended to assist prospective students through the application/acceptance process. Students holding a GED Certificate also are considered for admission (see minimum test scores in chart below).
Students applying to NDMU as transfer students must submit official transcripts of all college work completed. This academic record, along with a letter of recommendation (where required), resume (where required), and a written essay or writing sample, will be reviewed. (See Application Materials/Deadlines for details on admissions application requirements.)
Students applying as transfer students with fewer than 30 college credits will be asked to submit a high school transcript (students applying to the Women's College will also be asked to submit SAT/ACT scores). A transfer applicant who holds an Associate Degree, or has more than 30 college credits with a minimum 2.5 Cumulative Grade Point Average, is typically granted admission. Students applying with a GED with a minimum score of 160 on each of the four subtests are also typically granted admission (based on GED 2014 test score results).
The Admissions Committee will evaluate the record of any applicant who presents a 2.0 to 2.49 Cumulative Grade Point Average for all college or high school work. The Committee evaluates a student’s record and all corresponding documents (including the College Board Accuplacer test scores for CAUS applicants) to determine academic potential and success at NDMU. A student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average below 2.0 or GED scores below 150 on any of the four subtests (GED 2014) will not be considered for admission.
As part of the application process, prospective transfer students have the opportunity for review of their courses for transfer equivalency and credit. This unofficial evaluation clarifies the coursework needed to complete degree requirements. (An official evaluation is completed by the student's academic advisor upon entrance.)
Students applying to the Women's College dual-degree programs in engineering should refer to their respective Program of Study pages for additional admissions criteria. The Programs require students to complete the four-year degree in a three-year intensive Program of Study. Therefore, transfer students may enter these Programs of study up to, but not later than, the first semester of their sophomore year (completion of approximately 30 credits) and should confer with the Coordinator of these Programs of Study at the time of admission. Additional admissions criteria also exist for the Bachelor of Science in Radiological Science Program of Study.
All students seeking formal admission to the School of Education to become certified teachers are also subject to providing additional criteria (e.g., Praxis Exam, letters of reference, application, GPA of 3.2, formal interview/screening of writing and oral communications skills, e-portfolio review).
Transfer students are NOT eligible for participation in the 3+4 BA/Pharm.D. Program. This Program of Study is only open to students entering NDMU as freshmen. Transfer students interested in pursuing Pharmacy can discuss their options with their admissions counselor (e.g. finishing a bachelor degree and then applying to Pharmacy or completing the minimum pre-requisites to allow for admissions directly to the Pharmacy Program of Study).
For more specific information regarding admission as a Transfer or Adult Learner, go to our page Applying to the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies.
Applying as an International Student
The University values the contribution international students make to the NDMU community. International students should make preparations to apply for admission at least four months in advance of application deadlines. Due to the part-time nature of the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies, international students requiring an F-1 visa are not eligible for admission to this program.
International students must meet all requirements for admission to the University. (See Application Materials/Deadlines). In addition, international students must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (minimum score needed for admission is 500 on the written test and 173 on the computerized test or 61 on the IBT) and required financial documents which indicates ability to finance the student’s NDMU education.
An I-20 is issued only after the student has been accepted for admission. Students on an F-1 (student) visa are required, by Department of Homeland Security regulations, to take a minimum of 12 credits (full-time status) each semester. Federal financial aid programs are restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International students may compete for academic and achievement scholarships awarded on the basis of academic performance and merit (excluding athletic ability/participation). To qualify for academic scholarships, international students must take the SAT Reasoning Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) in addition to the TOEFL (see test information).
A Student Visa (F-1 status) is required of most students who wish to study in the United States. Students should not enter the United States on a Tourist Visa hoping to change their visas to an F-1 while here.
For more specific information regarding admission as an International Student, go to our page for International Students.
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Becoming A Notre Dame Student
Upon acceptance to NDMU, Women's College applicants (full-time students) will receive information on possible scholarships and once the FAFSA is filed (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), all students receive information on their financial aid package which shows need-based financial aid if the student has filed all necessary financial aid documents.
Once a decision has been made to attend NDMU, students in the Women's College will be asked to submit a non-refundable deposit. Students in the Women's College should be advised spaces in the incoming class are not guaranteed until the deposit is received. Enrollment places are reserved chronologically, according to deposit date. Deposits are as follows: $500 for resident students and $300 for commuters. NDMU abides by the National Candidate’s Reply Date of May 1.
Once admitted to the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies, students will be assigned an academic advisor. Student should meet with their academic advisor (faculty in the department or professional advisor) to discuss their Program of Study and transfer credits (if applicable) as well as register for courses. If students will not begin studies in the semester following admission, they should contact the CAUS Office as to their academic plans and their actual start date.
All new students are required to participate in an orientation program prior to the start of classes. This Program enables students to meet one another; meet their academic advisor; learn about academic policies, support services and degree programs; complete all practical matters pertaining to the start of classes; and learn about all aspects of life at NDMU. Information on the Orientation Programs is sent to students during the admissions process.
Matriculant and Non-Matriculant Status
A matriculant is a student who is officially admitted to the University as a candidate for a degree or academic credential in a particular Program of Study. Formal admission to the University is required to become a matriculant. Full-time students in the Women's College must maintain continuous study in order to retain their matriculant status, unless they obtain an official Leave of Absence. Part-time students in the Women's College or the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies (CAUS) must complete a minimum of one course each academic year to maintain their matriculant status. (See University Regulations for policies on Leave of Absence or Withdrawal.)
Non-matriculants are students who have not been formally admitted as degree candidates but who are registered for courses either full-time or part-time, for academic credit or audit. Adult students in the Women's College and students in CAUS may enter Notre Dame as non-matriculants. The same tuition and fees apply to non-matriculants as to matriculants. Non-matriculants are not eligible for financial aid and must apply for admission to the University upon completion of no more than 18 credits.
The Catalog in effect at the time the student is formally admitted (matriculated) to NDMU contains the Academic Policies and Program of Study requirements under which the student will graduate.
Full-time/Part-time Student Status
Women's College students enrolled in 12 or more credits are considered full-time and must pay full-time tuition and fees. Women's College students enrolled in 11 credits or fewer are considered part-time and will pay the part-time, per credit fees as listed under Tuition and Fees. Students in the Women's College may attend either on a full-time or part-time basis.
The College of Adult Undergraduate Studies is designed as a part-time program and is not normally designed to accommodate a full-time credit load. Students enrolled in 11 credits or fewer are considered part-time and will pay the part-time, per-credit fee as listed under Tuition and Fees. Under unusual circumstances, CAUS students may carry a load of more than 11 credits.
Readmission
Notre Dame of Maryland University does not automatically readmit a student who has Withdrawn or has not taken at least one course within an academic year. The student must file an Application for Readmission along with the application fee. The student must submit an official transcript reflecting work taken at other institutions of higher education since leaving NDMU, as well as Catalog information on those courses.
All scholarships, awards, and Notre Dame grant funding originally offered to student seeking readmission are no longer valid. The Catalog in effect at the time the student is readmitted contains the policies and requirements under which the student will graduate.
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Veteran Student Readmissions Policy
Notre Dame of Maryland University complies with requirements for readmission of veterans as defined in the “Higher Education Opportunity Act.”
In part, the Act states that:
“A person who is a member of, applies to be a member of, performs, has performed, applies to perform, or has an obligation to perform, service in the uniformed services shall not be denied readmission to an institution of higher education on the basis of that membership, application for membership, performance of service, application for service, or obligation.”
IN GENERAL — Any student whose absence from an institution of higher education is necessitated by reason of service in the uniformed services shall be entitled to readmission to the institution of higher education if:
A) the student (or an appropriate officer of the Armed Forces or official of the Department of Defense) gives advance written or verbal notice of such service to the appropriate official (registrar or VA coordinator) at the institution of higher education;
B) the cumulative length of the absence and of all previous absences from that institution of higher education by reason of service in the uniformed services does not exceed five years; and
C) “except as otherwise provided” in the Act, “the student submits a notification of intent to re-enroll in the institution of higher education. This intent to enroll should be sent directly to the VA Coordinator (registrar’s office).”
Any student providing the requisite documentation of eligibility and readmitted to Notre Dame under the terms of the statute will return with the same academic status as when last in attendance."
Service members separating from the military under certain conditions are not eligible for readmission under the terms of the Higher Education Opportunity Act. Those individuals may seek return to the University under the academic policies applicable to all students.
Veterans wishing to be readmitted should complete readmission (available through the Admissions Office), submit official transcripts from any educational institution at which courses were taken since last enrolled at NDMU, and contact the Veteran’s Coordinator in the Registrar’s Office by submitting an intent to enroll form.
Options For Earning Credit
Advanced Placement
Incoming first-year students who have taken Advanced Placement (AP) tests of The College Board and have achieved satisfactory scores are considered for advanced placement.
College credit may be granted for scores of three or higher. The following is a list of the most frequently taken tests. Other AP tests may be determined for credit/placement by the University Registrar.
|
Subjects |
Credits Granted |
Course Equivalent |
Fulfills General Education Requirement In: |
|
Art: History of |
6 |
Fine Arts |
|
|
Art: Studio |
3 |
Fine Arts |
|
|
Biology |
4 |
Natural Science |
|
|
Chemistry |
4 |
Natural Science |
|
|
English: Language and Composition |
3 |
ENG-101Proficiency Composition |
English |
|
English: Literature and Composition |
3 |
Elective |
N/A |
|
French: Language |
3 |
Major Requirement |
Foreign Language |
|
French: Literature |
3 |
Major Requirement |
Literature |
|
German: Language |
3 |
Major Requirement |
Foreign Language |
|
German: Literature |
3 |
Major Requirement |
Literature |
|
History: European |
3 |
Major Requirement |
History |
|
History: United States |
3 |
Major Requirement |
History |
|
Latin: Vergil |
3 |
Major Requirement |
Literature |
|
Latin: Literature |
3 |
Major Requirement |
Literature |
|
Mathematics: Calculus AB |
4 |
Mathematics |
|
|
Mathematics: Calculus BC |
8 |
Mathematics |
|
|
Mathematics: Statistics |
3 |
Mathematics |
|
|
Music: Music Theory |
3 |
Fine Arts |
|
|
Physics B |
4 |
Natural Science |
|
|
Political Science: American Government |
3 |
Elective |
Social Science |
|
Psychology |
4 |
Social Science |
|
|
Spanish: Language |
3 |
Major Requirement |
Foreign Language |
|
Spanish: Literature |
3 |
Major Requirement |
Literature |
Credit for Life/Career Experience
The complete policy for petitioning for credit is available from the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies office. Since Nursing Majors can use CLEP and Excelsior College Challenge Examinations, petitioning for credit is not an option for these students.
College Courses Taken While in High School
Incoming first-year students who have taken college courses while seniors in high school should confer with their admissions counselor as to the granting of credit for these courses. In most cases, courses that are academic in nature will be posted (in summary) to the NDMU transcript. Official transcripts from the college must be sent to NDMU for the credits to be reviewed and posted.
International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an intensive Program of Study taken as part of the high school program leading to comprehensive examinations in six different areas (two languages, individual and society, experimental sciences, mathematics and fine arts), culminating in the IB diploma.
NDMU recognizes the International Baccalaureate and grants a maximum of 30 credits to any student completing the diploma with a score of 30 or better.
Higher level examinations for which a student has received a grade of 5 or higher will be reviewed and credits granted accordingly.
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit is granted for satisfactory completion (“C” grade or higher) of courses taken at an accredited two- or four-year college or university. The course credit is applied to NDMU's degree requirements in accordance with Notre Dame Transfer Policy, established/articulation agreements, and course-by-course evaluation, as appropriate. Articulation Agreements indicate how specific courses will transfer from a two-year institution to NDMU in the areas of general education and selected courses in the Major.
Students transferring to NDMU should familiarize themselves with the transfer policy or consult their admissions counselor if there are any questions durign the admissions process. Evaluation of transfer credit is available prior to applying to the University.
Courses taken from companies or agencies other than an accredited college or university are assessed using the American Council of Education non-collegiate guidelines and placement recommendations. Final approval on all transfer courses and credit is determined by the University Registrar.
NDMU participates in the Maryland statewide Reverse Transfer Program. This Program allows students entering NDMU as transfer students without completion of the Associate (A.A. or A.S.) to "transfer back" credits completed at NDMU to secure the initial Associate's degree. Transfer student files will be reviewed upon acceptance to NDMU and invitations are sent to students who might be eligible for this Program. Transfer students can also "opt in" to this program by completing the form located on the Notre Dame website (ndm.edu) or through their admissions counselor during the application process.
Official Transcripts from all institutions of higher education must be received by NDMU no later than mid-semester of the student's initial term of enrollment.
Other Examination Credit
A total of 30 credits can be earned toward a degree through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Excelsior College Examinations, NDMU challenge exams and petitioning for credit. These credits are recorded with a grade of “P” and must be posted on the student’s record within 30 days from the date of notification of results. A fee is charged per credit for the posting. Policies and guidelines concerning these options are available in the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies office.
The College of Adult Undergraduate Studies accepts CLEP and Excelsior College exams in a number of subject areas. Students receiving a score of 50 or above on these examinations will be awarded credit. In addition to CLEP, matriculated students may earn college credit by successfully completing Notre Dame challenge exams. Challenge exams are available for CST-130 Microcomputer Applications, and LCL-332 Scientific and Specialized Terminology. Credits earned from these options do not count toward the total of 30 graded credits required to graduate from Notre Dame.
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