Meyerhoff Scholars Program

The Meyerhoff Scholars Program is open to all high-achieving high school seniors who have an interest in pursuing doctoral study in the sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics and who are interested in the advancement of minorities in the sciences and related fields. Students can be nominated for the program and are most typically nominated by their high school administrators, guidance counselors, and teachers.

The Meyerhoff Selection Committee considers students academic performance, standardized test scores, recommendation letters, and commitment to community service. Scholars are selected for their interests in the sciences, engineering, mathematics, or computer science, as well as their plans to pursue a Ph.D. or combined M.D./Ph.D. in the sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Reviewing the freshman class profile may provide an idea of the kinds of students who are admitted to UMBC and the Meyerhoff Scholars Program.

Applicants are expected to have completed a strong college preparatory program of study from an accredited high school. The minimum program of study should include:

• English: four years
• Social Science/History: three years
• Mathematics*: three years
• Science: three years
• Language other than English: two years

*Students are strongly recommended to have completed four years of mathematics, including trigonometry, pre-calculus, and/or calculus.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Meyerhoff Scholars Program, prospective students must have at least a “B” average in high school science or math courses, and many applicants have completed a year or more of calculus. Preference is given to those who have taken advanced placement courses in math and science, have research experience, and have strong references from science or math instructors. Strong preference is given to students interested in the Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. (over the M.D.).

Students must meet all eligibility requirements:

• Minimum of 600 on the Math component of the SAT or a composite score of 24 on the ACT (if provided – as the Meyerhoff Program adheres to UMBC’s test requirement guidelines)
• Cumulative High School GPA of a 3.0 or above
• Aspire to obtain a Ph.D. or the combined M.D./Ph.D. in the Sciences, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics
• Display commitment to community service
• Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States

*NOTE: UMBC’s undergraduate admissions will be test-optional for Fall 2023 admission. This will provide students the opportunity to apply for undergraduate admission with or without standardized test scores. In both cases, students will receive full consideration for admissions, merit scholarships (including the Meyerhoff Scholars Program), and other opportunities.

Students who accept a Meyerhoff Merit Award must major in one of the following STEM disciplines at UMBC:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Biological Sciences
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Environmental Science
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physics
• Statistics

Meyerhoff Scholars may combine STEM disciplines and/or non-STEM disciplines through double majors or minors.  Over the years, our scholars have pursued second majors and/or minors in a number of areas, including Africana Studies, American Studies, Asian Studies, Creative Writing, Dance, Economics, English, Gender and Women’s Studies, Modern Languages and Linguistics, Music Performance, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, and Visual Arts.