Finally, the retention of test-optional policies is justified by the data regarding student performance. Opponents of the policy fear that students admitted without test scores will struggle academically, but preliminary research suggests the opposite. A study conducted by the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research found that high school GPAs are actually stronger predictors of college graduation rates than standardized test scores. Students who demonstrate consistent effort and academic performance over four years of high school are statistically more likely to succeed in college than those who perform well on a single four-hour exam. If the goal of a university admissions department is to identify students who will thrive on campus and graduate, reliance on GPA and coursework—assets highlighted in a test-optional system—proves to be a more reliable strategy.
The University of Maryland (UMD) offers exemption exams to students who wish to demonstrate their mastery of specific subjects and potentially earn exemption from certain course requirements. These exams are designed to assess a student's knowledge and skills in a particular area, allowing them to bypass introductory courses and dive deeper into more advanced material.
Unlike the CS department, the UMD Math Department offers , meaning successful students earn actual credits for the course on their transcript.
Don't walk in cold. Here is a practical preparation plan:
Exams are typically held in-person at the Brendan Iribe Center (IRB). You are generally allotted 2 to 2.5 hours depending on the subject.
At the University of Maryland (UMD), the path to a degree is often envisioned as a four-year marathon of 120 credits, one GenEd requirement at a time. However, for the proactive student, there is a fast-forward button: . Officially known as the Credit by Examination program, these tests offer a powerful, yet often overlooked, strategy to bypass introductory courses, save thousands in tuition, and accelerate your academic journey.
CBE is reserved for students who have already passed a similar course elsewhere but could not transfer the credit due to technicalities. It is not for self-study.
UMD exemption exams are standardized tests that evaluate a student's proficiency in a specific subject or discipline. These exams are typically offered in areas such as mathematics, languages, and computer science. By passing an exemption exam, students can demonstrate their expertise and potentially earn exemption from one or more course requirements.
The UMD exemption exam is a tool, not a trophy. It rewards genuine knowledge, not hubris. For the student who has genuinely mastered the material through AP classes, dual enrollment, self-study, or life experience, it is one of the smartest moves you can make.