2 Year Dean's Scholarship FAQs
For Incoming Students- What are the academic standards that must be met?
- How does it work if I am awarded an outside scholarship as well?
- Does the amount of my scholarship increase as costs do?
- How does the University's billing system work?
For Current Students
- What if I do not meet the required GPA?
- What if I do not complete 12 credits this semester?
- May I use summer school to complete 24 credits?
- If I lose my scholarship, can I get it back in the future?
- If I want to study abroad, will I still get my scholarship?
- May I keep my scholarship if I want to participate in a co-op program?
- Will the scholarship pay for graduate courses?
- Can the scholarship be extended past four semesters?
For Incoming Students
What are the academic standards that must be met?
Recipients of two-year Dean's scholarships must maintain a 3.20 cumulative GPA and complete at least 24 credits per academic year. Transcripts are reviewed by the Office of Student Financial Aid at the end of each semester.
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How does it work if I am awarded an outside scholarship as well?
If you receive other scholarships such as Maryland Distinguished or National Merit, you may use those funds for room and board, books, and incidental expenses, as well as tuition. The Office of Student Financial Aid determines the amounts for books and incidental expenses each year.
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Does the amount of my scholarship increase as costs do?
No. Unfortunately, your scholarship will remain the same amount each year.
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How does the University's billing system work?
You must be registered for 12 credits in order for your scholarship to credit to your account. Wait-listed classes don't count, so be sure to register for at least 12 credits at Orientation, even if you plan to adjust your schedule later. All charges and credits go through your student account. It's like a credit card statement, with charges and credits both listed. If there is a positive balance (likely only if you receive numerous outside scholarships), a check is generated; if there is a negative one, the statement serves as a bill.
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For Current Students
What if I do not meet the required GPA?
You get a semester of probation, while still receiving your scholarship, to bring your GPA up to the required 3.20 cumulative.
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What if I do not complete 12 credits this semester?
During fall and spring semesters you must always carry at least 12 credits through the add/drop period. After that, you may drop below 12, provided you complete 24 total for the academic year, including winterterm session.
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May I use summer school to complete 24 credits?
Yes, but if you did not complete 24 credits by the end of the spring semester, you will lose your scholarship in June when the Office of Student Financial Aid reviews transcripts. If you then take summer courses, you will get your scholarship back after the 24 credits are completed.
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If I lose my scholarship, can I get it back in the future?
Yes, as long as the time frame is within the four semesters originally awarded. Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.
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If I want to study abroad, will I still get my scholarship?
Yes, and it doesn't have to be a Maryland program hosting your courses abroad. As long as your course of study is approved by the university, you will receive your scholarship. There are certain procedures that need to be followed. Let the Office of Student Financial Aid know by emailing sfa-scholarships@umd.edu of your plans the semester before you intend to leave.
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May I keep my scholarship if I want to participate in a co-op program?
Yes, but you will need to defer your scholarship for the semester(s) in which you participate in the co-op, since you will not be a full-time student.
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Will the scholarship pay for graduate courses?
If you take a graduate course as part of your undergraduate curriculum, the scholarship will pay for that course.
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Can the scholarship be extended past four semesters?
Unfortunately, the Dean's scholarship is limited to four semesters only. However, many colleges and departments have departmental scholarships, so be sure to check with the advising office of your college during the spring semester of your sophomore year to see if you are eligible for a departmental scholarship.
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