Academic Advising

All Spring-Admitted Freshmen are invited to enroll in the Freshmen Connection Program, administered by the Extended Studies. If you have non-academic advising related questions, please contact that office.

The Office of Letters and Sciences provides academic advising to Freshmen Connection students.

For students who are still deciding about participating in Freshmen Connection or have already enrolled, and have questions related to academic advising, we are here to answer your questions. 

Attend a UMD Admitted Student Open House

• UMD Admitted Student Open House Registration
• Dates: Friday, March 1; Monday, March 11; Monday, April 8; Friday, April 19 (Virtual)
• Hear from former FC students and meet program staff at the FC Information Session.

Make an Advising Appointment

• Schedule an appointment by emailing fc@umd.edu
• Appointments can take place by phone or Zoom.
• Provide several appointment options, Monday - Friday (between 9am - 4:00pm)
• Provide the student's full, name, phone number, email, preferred format

Drop-in Advising

• You are able to utilize Drop-in Advising for general questions.

Freshmen Connection students are not required to meet with an advisor during their Fall Semester, however they will have full access to advising services and are encouraged to speak with an advisor whenever they have questions.

Speak with an Academic Advisor

• Utilize LTSC Drop-in Advising
• Make an appointment online via TerpEngage

Students who have a declared major for the Spring semester will receive instructions from the college of their Spring major via the Freshmen Connection Office. 

Students who are in Letters & Sciences for the Spring semester must complete the LTSC FC advising process to have their advising block lifted and be eligible to register for their Spring courses.  

The "Golden ID" student program enables Maryland retirees to enroll in courses at the University of Maryland at College Park and receive certain other benefits. To be eligible to participate at the College Park Campus, an individual must be (1) 60 years of age or older, (2) a legal resident of Maryland, and (3) not engaged in gainful employment for more than 20 hours per week.

For full details, consult the Golden ID Program website.

LTSC is the academic home for "Non-Degree Seeking Golden ID" students. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions below for answers to common question concerning "Non-Degree Seeking Golden ID" students. If you have additional questions, you may either contact us by calling 301-314-8418 or by emailing us at askltsc@umd.edu.

The following only applies to Undergraduate students within Letters and Sciences. If you are admitted as a non-degree seeking graduate student please contact the Graduate School.

Golden ID Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the admission process for "Golden ID" students?
   Application is made through either the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or the Graduate School. The appropriate application fee will be assessed. College Park tuition is waived.
2. When can I register for classes?
   Admitted "Non-Degree Golden ID Students" register on a space-available basis beginning on the first day of classes each semester. They may not register any earlier than that time. There are no other negotiable alternatives. Please consult the Schedule of Classes via Testudo to review course details including prerequisites, course restrictions, permissions required, available seats, etc.
3. Do I need to speak with a LTSC advisor before I register?
   Yes. LTSC requires that "Non-Degree Seeking Golden ID" students communicate with an advisor before they register for classes for the first time. Students should utilize Drop-in Advising. During the academic advising meeting, the advisor will ensure that the student enrolls in appropriate courses and does not wish to seek a degree, then remove the "advising block" on the student’s account. Also, there may be other opportunities for a student to hear about more appropriate programs or alternatives in reaching the goals they hope to achieve.
   
   During future registration periods, students are no longer required to see a LTSC advisor, but they may do so if they wish.
4. Can UMCP guarantee me the courses I need?
   Unfortunately, LTSC cannot guarantee that all courses a student wishes to enroll in will be available on the first day of classes. Admitted "Non-Degree Seeking Golden ID" students register on a space-available basis beginning on the first day of class. Some popular courses may be filled prior to the first day of classes. There is simply no way to guarantee courses for "Non-Degree Seeking Golden ID" students.
5. Can my transfer credits be posted at UMD?
   No. The University of Maryland does not post transfer credits for "Non-Degree Seeking Golden ID" students. It is strongly suggested that students keep a copy of any transcripts from previous institutions readily available.
6. Why am I affiliated with LTSC as a "Golden ID" student?
   "Non-Degree Seeking Golden ID" students at the University are assigned to Letters and Sciences typically if they are taking courses and do not wish to be affiliated, or cannot be affiliated, with a particular College or major.
7. Can I take any course I wish to take?
   Students may only take courses at the University for which they qualify. To check if a student meets those qualifications, he or she should review the course description via the online Schedule of Classes
   
   If a course at Maryland has "prerequisites," (courses that must be taken and completed satisfactorily in advance of attending a particular class), a student must have those completed before he or she can take the course.
   
   Some course descriptions may state that in order to take the course, a student needs "permission of the department." Other courses may require the student to be in a certain major to take the course. In these cases, students should contact the appropriate department in order to take the course.
   
   "Non-Degree Seeking Golden ID" students are not allowed to take Graduate courses. Due to tuition and major affiliation issues, we give no exceptions to policy in this regard. Students who wish to take courses at the graduate level (600 and above) must contact the Graduate School for information concerning admission requirements for Advanced Special Student status. Advanced Special Student (Ad.S.S.) status, also known as non-degree seeking graduate student status, is administered by the Graduate School. For more information on this status, please visit the Graduate School Non-Degree Admissions webpage 
8. What types of classes do most LTSC "Golden ID" students seek to take?
   In our experience, "Non-Degree Seeking Golden ID" students in Letters and Sciences take courses from across the curriculum. As long as students have either the pre-requisites for certain courses, or departmental permission, all classes are available.
9. Can I get a University of Maryland ID Card?
   Yes. Once a student has registered for their first class at Maryland, they may visit the Office of the Registrar in the Mitchell building to have a student I.D. made.
   
   The "Golden Identification Card" with a current semester registration card will entitle eligible persons to certain academic services, including the use of the libraries, as well as certain other non-academic services. Such services will be available during any session only to persons who have registered for one or more courses for that session. Golden ID students are not eligible for Consortium courses or Continuing Education.
10. Are there any opportunities for me to become involved on campus?
    Golden ID students do have the opportunity to become involved with the Golden ID Student Association which provides cultural and social events, course recommendations, and peer advising. Additional information may be obtained from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Talented high school seniors have the opportunity to enroll at the University of Maryland for up to two courses, or seven credits, during the fall, spring or summer terms through Concurrent Enrollment. Successful applicants will have pursued a rigorous high school program and will have demonstrated exceptional performance and ability over time. 

For full details about Concurrent Enrollment, including application requirements and deadlines, consult UMD Admission Requirements for Special Audiences (scroll down to view special audience information).

LTSC is the academic home for "High School Concurrent" students. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions below for answers to common question concerning "High School Concurrent" students. If you have additional questions, you may email Mr. Noah Jacobs at nhjacobs@umd.edu or call 301-314-8418.

High School Concurrent Frequently Asked Questions 

1. When can I register for classes?
   High School Concurrent students register on a space-available basis beginning on the first day of classes each semester. They may not register any earlier than that time. There are no exceptions to this rule and no other negotiable alternatives. Please consult the Schedule of Classes via Testudo to review course details including prerequisites, course restrictions, permissions required, available seats, etc.
2. Can I take any course I wish to take?
   Students may only take courses at the University for which they qualify. To check if a student meets those qualifications, he or she should review the course description via the online Schedule of Classes
   
   If a course at Maryland has "prerequisites," (courses that must be taken and completed satisfactorily in advance of attending a particular class), a student must have those completed before he or she can take the course.
   
   Some course descriptions may state that in order to take the course, a student needs "permission of the department." Other courses may require the student to be in a certain major to take the course. In these cases, students should contact the appropriate department in order to take the course.
   
   High School Concurrent students are not allowed to take Graduate courses.
3. Do different levels of courses—100, 200, 300, or 400 level - have any importance for choosing a course?
   Yes. LTSC encourages High School Concurrent students to look at 100-level and 200-level courses as these are geared toward first and second year students. Typically 300-level and 400-level courses are designed for juniors and seniors at the University. By their nature, these upper-level courses assume a higher level of maturity and background has been attained by students before attending. If in doubt about what level courses students should take, they should consult a Letters and Sciences advisor.
4. Can I take MATH courses at Maryland?
   LTSC discourages High School Concurrent students from taking college level mathematics courses because of the difference in caliber of education between the University and high school level mathematics courses. However, if students feel they qualify for a math course at Maryland, they may take the Math Placement Test through the Math Department to get placement for taking a course. Find more information about math placement and advising. Students will be required to speak with the Mathematics academic advisor, Ms. Ida Chan, before taking any math courses. Students should be sure to identify themselves as a "High School Concurrent" student when contacting Ms. Chan at ichan@umd.edu or 301-405-7582.
5. Do I attend Orientation as a "High School Concurrent" student?
   No. There is no orientation for High School Concurrent students.
6. Do I need to speak with a LTSC advisor before I register?
   Yes. LTSC requires that High School Concurrent students communicate with an advisor before they register for classes. The LTSC advisor working with "High School Concurrent" students is Noah Jacobs. You may call ahead for available hours, 301-314-8418, or you may send an email to nhjacobs@umd.edu for more information. After contacting the advisor, the "advising block" on the student’s account will be removed and the student will be able to register for classes, on the first day of the semester.
   
   NOTE: Students should be absolutely positive they can attend each class period for any class they register for at the University. If students cannot get to class on time, or cannot attend and participate regularly, they should not register for the course as it could have implications on their grade in that class.
7. Can I participate in the "Science in the Evening" program through the Office of Extended Studies?
   No. The Science in the Evening (SIE) Program is strictly for students who have acquired a Bachelor’s Degree.
8. If I am successful with my courses at Maryland, does it mean I’ll be admitted if I apply later?
   Taking a course at Maryland as a High School Concurrent student does not guarantee admission to the University no matter how well the student performs. Students should always be sure to ask the Admissions Office any questions they might have about being accepted to Maryland.
9. Can I get a University of Maryland ID Card?
   Yes. Once a student has registered for their first class at Maryland, they may visit the Office of the Registrar in the Mitchell building to have a student I.D. made.
10. What other opportunities are available to earn college credit during the summer?
    The Terp Young Scholars Program offered through Extended Studies allows high school students to earn three university credits while pursuing academic interests and exploring UMD college life.

Applicants who qualify for admission to UMCP but do not desire to work toward a baccalaureate degree may be admitted as “Non-Degree Seeking” students. Non-Degree Seeking students may or may not already have a bachelor's degree, though the majority of Non-Degree Seeking students at Maryland have completed a bachelor's degree and are considered "post-baccalaureates."

For full details about the admission process for Non-Degree Seeking students, including Post-Baccalaureates, consult UMD Admission Requirements for Special Audiences (scroll down to view special audience information).

LTSC is the academic home for “Non-Degree Seeking” students. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions below for answers to common question concerning “Non-Degree Seeking” students. If you have additional questions, you may either contact us by calling 301-314-8418 or by emailing us at askltsc@umd.edu.

Non-Degree Seeking Frequently Asked Questions

1. When can I register for classes?
   Non-Degree Seeking Undergraduate Students register on a space-available basis. Non-Degree Seeking students may not register until the first day of classes in their initial semester. Registration appointments will be assigned by the Office of the Registrar for subsequent semesters and can be checked via Testudo. Please consult the Schedule of Classes via Testudo to review course details including prerequisites, course restrictions, permissions required, available seats, etc.
2. Do I need to speak with a LTSC advisor before I register?
   Yes. LTSC requires that Non-Degree Seeking students communicate with an advisor before they register for classes for their initial semester. Students should utilize Drop-in Advising. During the academic advising meeting, the advisor will ensure that the student enrolls in appropriate courses and does not wish to seek a degree, then remove the "advising block" on the student’s account. Also, there may be other opportunities for a student to hear about more appropriate programs or alternatives in reaching the goals they hope to achieve.
   
   During future registration periods, students are no longer required to see a LTSC advisor, but they may do so if they wish. After a Non-Degree Seeking student’s first semester at Maryland, registration appointments (the time at which a student may register) will be based on the number of credits a student has earned at UMCP.
3. Can UMCP guarantee me the courses I need?
   Unfortunately, LTSC cannot guarantee that all courses a student wishes to enroll in will be available by the date a student is eligible to register. Admitted Non-Degree Seeking students register on a space-available basis. Some popular courses may be filled and there is simply no way to guarantee courses for Non-Degree Seeking students.
4. Can my transfer credits be posted at UMD?
   No. The University of Maryland does not post transfer credits for Non-Degree Seeking students. It is strongly suggested that students keep a copy of any transcripts from previous institutions readily available.
5. Why am I affiliated with LTSC as a “Non-Degree Seeking” student?
   Non-Degree Seeking students at the University are assigned to Letters and Sciences typically if they are taking courses and do not wish to be affiliated, or cannot be affiliated, with a particular College or major.
6. Can I take any course I wish to take?
   Students may only take courses at the University for which they qualify. To check if a student meets those qualifications, he or she should review the course description via the online Schedule of Classes
   
   If a course at Maryland has "prerequisites," (courses that must be taken and completed satisfactorily in advance of attending a particular class), a student must have those completed before he or she can take the course.
   
   Some course descriptions may state that in order to take the course, a student needs "permission of the department." Other courses may require the student to be in a certain major to take the course. In these cases, students should contact the appropriate department in order to take the course.
   
   Non-Degree Seeking students are not allowed to take Graduate courses. Due to tuition and major affiliation issues, we give no exceptions to policy in this regard. Students who wish to take courses at the graduate level (600 and above) must contact the Graduate School for information concerning admission requirements for Advanced Special Student status. Advanced Special Student (Ad.S.S.) status, also known as non-degree seeking graduate student status, is administered by the Graduate School. For more information on this status, please visit the Graduate School Non-Degree Admissions webpage 
7. What types of classes do most LTSC "Non-Degree Seeking" students seek to take?
   In our experience, Non-Degree Seeking students in Letters and Sciences mostly want to take courses which will help them move toward or gain admittance to a medical or pharmaceutical graduate program. Although these are definitely not the only courses students pursue, LTSC often suggests that these students take a look at the “Science in the Evening” program.
8. Why has the Science in the Evening (SIE) program been suggested to me?
   Many post-baccalaureate programs are geared only toward preparing pre-medical students and require students to take courses in a particular order. SIE offers courses for a broader audience and is not restricted to a particular course sequence. Students may take whatever courses they have the prerequisites for, in any order they wish.
9. What other benefits exist with the Science in the Evening program?
   SIE courses are restricted to post-baccalaureate students and offer several benefits. First, long after daytime offerings are filled, there are almost always seats available in the SIE sections. In addition, SIE sections of courses are much smaller than daytime sections. In a daytime course, students can find 200-300 students in lecture, while in SIE, students will find no more than 50-60 students in lecture, often far fewer. Finally, SIE provides pre-professional school advising and information about how best to prepare for application to medical, dental, or allied health professions.
10. Is a Bachelor's Degree required to participate in the Science in the Evening program?
    Yes. Application and admission to the SIE program requires that students earned a four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Find full details about the "Science in the Evening" program.