Overview of the Terp Young Scholars Program
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Indigo Research Team
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Published:
March 26, 2025
Last Updated:
March 26, 2025
What if your next summer break helps you achieve your academic objectives? If you're still in high school and looking for opportunities for personal and academic development, consider enrolling in summer initiatives like the Terp Young Scholars Program. These programs help students explore their interests and choose a dream career.
The UMD Young Scholars program delivers immersive experiences that push students past traditional classroom boundaries. With several course options, it's easy to choose subject areas that interest you or are relevant for college. You also get to experience college life and meet like-minded peers. But what does it take to enroll in this program? How much does it cost? And what do you stand to gain by participating? Read on to discover the answer to these questions.
The Terp Young Scholars Program is a 3-week summer pre-college program at the University of Maryland. Participants in the program register for challenging university-level classes which earn them college credit as they learn under the guidance of faculty members.
The program targets motivated learners who seek academic challenges and exposure to college life experiences. It delivers a transformative educational experience and offers them resources to develop key skills needed for future achievement beyond their classes. The best part of this program is that it offers both online and in-person learning, so students can easily choose whether to experience campus life firsthand or engage in interactive virtual classes from home.
The Terps Young Scholars Program presents a structured learning experience with the flexibility of two options: in-person (commuter) and online. Participants take a three-credit university course that connects directly with their personal interests and future professional objectives. Daily activities include attending classes, having studying sessions, and working on projects. As such, students must maintain strong academic dedication.
The University of Maryland officially records students’s grades and credits on their transcript. These grades will be will become part of the cumulative GPA calculation for students who later gain admission to UMD as undergraduate degree-seeking students.
Some of the courses offered include:
In-person courses:
Online Courses:
Students taking physical classes can take advantage of the campus resources and facilities after their classes. They can use Maryland’s pools and Recreation Centers, TerpZone in the Stamp Student Union, and the University’s six campus libraries.
The Terp Young Scholars Program admits motivated high school students from grades 10 to 12 and recent graduates with a GPA of at least 3.0. Students must be between 15 and 18 years old by the start of the program.
The program is open to both US citizens and students from other countries worldwide. However, international students can only apply for online courses because F-1 visas or I-20 documentation are not supported. Even B visas are not allowed.
Students who choose the in-person commuter option must organize their housing in College Park because on-campus housing facilities are unavailable. On the other hand, online participants are required to have a high-speed broadband connection that meets at least a 3G or 4G standard. They must use at least Windows 7 or Mac OS X 10.10 as their device operating system.
The Young Terp Scholars Program runs from July 14 to August 1, 2025. Applications open on January 7 and remain available until June 1.
Here are some steps to register for the University of Maryland summer program. But before you start, make sure to collect all the required documents:
Documents Required for All Applicants:
Home-Schooled Applicants:
Provide a detailed academic overview with course descriptions, textbooks used, evaluation methods, and grades.
International Applicants Residing in the US:
Permanent Residents:
Submit a copy of the permanent residency card and proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or DET scores).
1. Access the Extended Studies Forms Portal.
2. Create or Access Your Account:
3. Start a New Application:
4. Complete and Submit:
Make sure to upload all necessary documents and review them for mistakes or incomplete sections before you submit your application. Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation email. Keep an eye on your email for any new information about your application status.
To enroll in the Scholars program, you have to pay a $75 application fee and a $250 program deposit. The program deposit will be credited into your total bill seven days after the charge. For commuters, the UMD summer course cost a total of $1,730 while online students pay $1,365.
The Program provides partial financial scholarships to a restricted number of students. The financial awards available through this program are competitive and depend on available funding, but they cover up to 30 percent of the total program fee. You can submit an application for financial aid, but make sure you do it early to be considered.
Finally, returning students can request an application fee waiver code, but they must still pay the $250 program deposit.
Here are some brilliant tips to help you make the most of the University Of Maryland Young Scholars program:
The Scholars Program offers limited space and competitive admission. Applying early improves your likelihood of obtaining your chosen classes and it also gives you enough time to compile required documents.
Early application is especially beneficial for commuter students since they need to book accommodations as soon as possible because they fill up fast. Generally, filing your application early provides time to handle unforeseen problems during the application process.
Students must attend every class because the program enforces rigorous rules prohibiting late arrivals and early departures. You must maintain a proper balance between your coursework, study sessions, and assignments.
This can be especially challenging for international students due to differences in date and time zone. You'd have to adjust your routine to attend sessions punctually. Develop a complete timetable that shows your class sessions and time for personal study and breaks. Prioritize tasks by deadlines and difficulty levels. If possible, use time management apps or planners to track assignments.
Define your objectives before you begin the program. Decide what is most important to you. Is it college credits? University experience? Or the opportunity to meet with like-minded peers and leading experts in your chosen field? Having clear goals will direct your efforts.
Keep track of academic objectives and personal aspirations to keep your motivation alive. Reflect on your progress regularly to optimize your learning process.
Successful academic performance depends on having an effective study space. Find a peaceful space with sufficient lighting that lacks any form of interruption. Online students must verify their internet connection stability and perform tests on their camera and microphone systems prior to their classes.
Make sure your study space contains textbooks, notebooks and essential devices within easy reach. Dedicated workspaces help you keep focus and stay productive during study sessions and assignments.
For commuter students, planning transportation is essential. Check out the parking options on campus or public transportation and rideshare alternatives. Study your campus map before classes start to ensure you don't get lost on your first day.
Access your account early enough to identify and resolve any technical problems. Preparing these logistics in advance ensures you enjoy a seamless experience.
The Terp Young Scholars Program provides students with a rare chance to test their academic limits and gain college experience. With several courses and flexible learning options, you can easily pick study areas that interest you and decide whether to study from home or experience college-level learning firsthand.
However, if the Young Scholars experience isn’t the perfect fit for you, the Indigo Research Intensive Program (IRIS) is an outstanding alternative. IRIS is an online program that connects learners to leading educators from top institutions. It offers personalized mentoring and practical research experience on various academic subjects. In the end, you'll publish a research paper in your area of interest. Learn more about the IRIS Program.
IRIS is an online program that connects learners to leading educators from top institutions. It offers personalized collegiate-level research mentoring and practical research experience on various academic subjects. In the end, you'll get a chance to publish a research paper in your area of interest.
IRIS is an online program that connects learners to leading educators from top institutions. It offers personalized collegiate-level research mentoring and practical research experience on various academic subjects. In the end, you'll get a chance to publish a research paper in your area of interest.
