FAQs: Applying for a USM Regents Scholarship

Q: Who is eligible to receive a Regents Scholarship?

A: High school students applying to USM institutions and community college students who wish to transfer to USM institutions are eligible to receive Regents Scholarships. Preference may be given to Maryland residents during the selection process.

Q: What do I have to do to qualify for a Regents Scholarship?

A: Regents Scholars are selected on the basis of demonstrated academic ability, generally measured by a score of 1400 or higher on the Scholastic Aptitude Test and a high school grade-point average approaching 4.0. Regents Scholars may also be nominated based upon demonstrated academic ability at a Maryland community college, as measured by completion of the associate's degree with a grade-point average of 4.0. Strong motivation, exceptional character, and a record of extracurricular accomplishments are also factors in selection.

Q: How do I apply for a Regents Scholarship?

A: Scholarship application forms can be downloaded from the USM Office of Academic Affairs.

High school students can be nominated by their high school, by faculty or staff of the University System, or by an alumnus or donor of a USM institution. Sponsors should write letters of nomination to the directors of admission at the student's USM campuses of choice. Campus officials will then invite the student to submit a formal application.

Students from Maryland community colleges who wish to be considered should submit a Regents Scholarship application to the transfer coordinator at the community college. Scholarship application forms for transfer students are available from the community college advising center and from the USM Office of Academic Affairs. Students from the community colleges should be nominated by the community college president.

Students who have not applied for a Regents Scholarship but who meet the criteria may be nominated by the USM institutions or the Maryland community colleges.

Q: What is the application deadline?

A: For best consideration, high school students should file their admissions and scholarship applications by February 1 of the year they plan to enroll at a USM institution. Transfer students should apply by May 15th (or the next business day if May 15th falls on a weekend or a holiday).

Q: Who evaluates my Regents Scholarship application?

A: USM Admissions or Financial Aid staff may review the applications and records for high school students. Community college presidents, faculty and staff assess applications and supporting documents for transfer students. The USM Scholarship Committee conducts final reviews and determines the selection of scholarship winners, as designated by the USM chancellor.

Q: Once I have been chosen as a Regents Scholar, how do I renew my scholarship?

A: Regents Scholarship awards are automatically renewed each year, provided that the scholar continues full-time study toward the baccalaureate degree and maintains at least a 3.5 cumulative grade-point average. Regents Scholarships are limited to eight semesters for students entering from high school, and are limited to four semesters for students entering from Maryland community colleges.

Q: Where should I go for more information about applying for or renewing a Regents Scholarship?

A: Students or their sponsors may contact Kori Smith, Director of Scholarships and Academic Services, at the USM Office of Academic Affairs. She can be reached at ksmith@usmd.edu.