At McDaniel, we try to make the application process as stress-free as possible. That is why we have a variety of different deadlines so you can control the timing of your admission and scholarship decisions. We offer five different deadlines for submitting your application and complete credentials: early action, October 15, November 15 and December 1; and regular decision, January 15 and February 15. 

It is important to note that we will only review your application in one round of admission and scholarship consideration, so the deadline you choose should reflect the final credentials you intend to submit for scholarship purposes. You are guaranteed an admission decision and scholarship decision within three weeks of the date you select. Best of all, there is no obligation to deposit before May 1. If you know McDaniel is your top choice, you can deposit promptly and enjoy the rest of your senior year, or take all the time you need to make a good decision.

A complete application for admission includes:

1. Complete the application online through the The Common Application program, or if you live in Maryland feel free to use the Maryland Application. We don't require a supplement to The Common Application, unless you have completed a home school curriculum. In that case, we require The Common Application's Home School Supplement to the Secondary School Report. A $50 nonrefundable fee is required (unless you visited campus prior to submitting this application). If you file your application electronically, you must send the $50 fee to the admissions office by mail. We can’t process your application until we receive your payment.
   
   Also remember to submit the essay, as indicated on the application. Each application requires an essay, and the topics are listed on The Common Application.
   
   
2. Ask your guidance counselor to forward your official high school transcript and at least 2 academic letters of recommendation to the admissions office.
   
   
3. Have your SAT or ACT scores sent directly to the admissions office. The SAT school code is 5898 and the ACT school code is 1756.  McDaniel College continues to take the highest Critical Reading and highest Math scores from multiple test dates on the SAT or your highest composite score from multiple ACT test dates. We want standardized testing to work for you, not against you, and therefore will consider all scores or only scores which you feel comfortable sending. We will not use the writing score on the SAT as part of our admissions evaluation, but instead will continue to require an essay. Scores will be considered official if they are sent by the high school guidance office or testing service. Or you may choose to use our SAT Optional program...
   
4. Submit copies of Advanced Placement and College Level Examination Program scores or your International Baccalaureate diploma if applicable. More about advanced placement...
   
   
5. Explore financial assistance. Once we have your completed admission application, we’ll mail you an application for financial aid. In the meantime, you can begin planning by reviewing the costs of attendance and the financial aid process.