In the ACES Living-Learning Program, freshmen and sophomores live and work closely together both in and out of the classroom. The LLP curriculum introduces a group of academically talented Honors College students who have an interest in cybersecurity to the hands-on technical and non-technical aspects of the field. It also takes full advantage of the D.C.-based companies and government agencies involved in cybersecurity. A co-curricular and pre-professional program related to cybersecurity complements the academic experience.
There is no application process directly to the ACES program or to the Honors College. To be considered for ACES:
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Apply to the University of Maryland by the priority November 1 deadline. There is no separate addendum or special application for the Honors College at that time.
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All students are automatically considered for the Honors College. You can learn more about the Honors College admissions process.
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Students will be notified of admission decisions to the University and to the Honors College around the end of January.
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Students will be asked to preference their interests in particular Living-Learning Programs, including ACES.
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ACES staff review application materials of the students who preference ACES and will send invitations to admitted students.
Admittance to ACES can only happen upon admittance to the University and the Honors College. Honors reviews applications of academically talented students individually, looking at the transcript, rigor of your high school curriculum, depth of extracurricular involvement, counselor and teacher recommendations, essays, standardized test scores, etc. All elements are important and enter into our decision process.
To be considered for the ACES Program, it is recommended that prospective students:
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Have an outstanding high school academic record, particularly in mathematics and science courses (AP Calculus BC Course is not a requirement but is encouraged).
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Express an interest in studying cybersecurity (Previous coursework or experience is not required but may be considered a positive indication of interest in the field).
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Possess an interest and potentially some first-hand experience with computer languages (AP Computer Science is not a requirement but is encouraged).
Cybersecurity Education at UMD offers several programs for middle school and high school students that will help them explore the field of cybersecurity while developing skills and knowledge. We are currently offering Saturday Workshops, Summer Programs, and events for middle school and high school students. For specific program information, visit the Cybersecurity website.
