Maryland Academic Preparation

Prepare for Maryland college admission with strategic course planning, test preparation, and academic skill development in the Old Line State.

Maryland High School Graduation Requirements

English
4 units

Literature, composition, speech, and language arts

Preparation Tips:

Strong writing skills
Literature analysis
Critical reading
Communication skills
Mathematics
3 units

Algebra I & II, Geometry, and additional advanced mathematics

Preparation Tips:

Pre-calculus recommended
Statistics helpful
Strong algebra foundation
STEM preparation
Science
3 units

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and laboratory experiences

Preparation Tips:

Lab science courses
Research projects
Scientific method
STEM focus
Social Studies
3 units

History, government, geography, and social sciences

Preparation Tips:

Maryland history
Government understanding
Research skills
Current events
World Languages
2 units

Two years of the same world language

Preparation Tips:

Consecutive years preferred
Cultural understanding
Communication skills
Global perspective
Fine Arts
1 unit

Visual arts, music, dance, drama, or other creative arts

Preparation Tips:

Creative expression
Portfolio development
Performance experience
Arts appreciation

Testing Requirements for Maryland Colleges

SAT

College Board's standardized test

Score Range: 400-1600

Test Sections:

• Reading
• Writing & Language
• Math
• Optional Essay

Maryland-Specific Tips:

Practice tests available
Khan Academy prep
Test multiple times
Johns Hopkins highly competitive
ACT

Alternative standardized college admission test

Score Range: 1-36

Test Sections:

• English
• Math
• Reading
• Science
• Optional Writing

Maryland-Specific Tips:

Alternative to SAT
Science reasoning section
Faster paced
Maryland schools accept both
Maryland State Assessments

Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC)

Score Range: Performance levels

Test Sections:

• English Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science

Maryland-Specific Tips:

Required for graduation
College readiness indicator
Preparation available
Benchmark assessments

Academic Success Strategies

Academic Excellence

Maintain high academic standards to compete for Maryland's top universities

Action Steps:

Take AP/IB courses
Maintain high GPA
Show academic growth
Challenge yourself appropriately
Research Focus

Develop research skills and experience valued by Maryland institutions

Action Steps:

Participate in research programs
Science fair participation
Independent projects
Laboratory experience
Test Preparation

Strategic approach to standardized testing success

Action Steps:

Start prep early
Take practice tests
Consider prep courses
Multiple test attempts
Leadership Development

Build leadership skills valued by Maryland colleges

Action Steps:

Student government
Club leadership
Community service
Volunteer leadership

Ready to Excel Academically in Maryland?

Use CollegeCompass to track your academic progress and optimize your preparation for Maryland colleges.

Start Academic PlanningContinue Your Maryland College Planning Journey