First-Year Students
Your Future Starts at Hood College
At Hood College, you'll find more than a place to earn a degree. You'll join a community that challenges you to grow, supports your ambitions, and prepares you for a meaningful career and life after graduation.
Located in Frederick, Maryland, Hood offers the personalized experience of a small college combined with access to internships, research opportunities, healthcare systems, businesses, and government organizations throughout the Baltimore-Washington region.
Admission Requirements
Applying to Hood College is straightforward.
Required Materials
- First-Year Application
- Official high school transcript
Optional Materials
To help us learn more about you, you may also submit:
- Admission interview
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or activities list
- Additional writing sample
- Personal website or portfolio
Test-Optional Admission
Hood College does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship consideration. Students are evaluated through a holistic review process that considers academic achievement, involvement, leadership, and potential for success.
Application Deadlines
Applying early provides more time to plan for your college transition and financial aid opportunities.
November 1 - Early Action I
December 1 - Nursing Priority Deadline I (Students who are applying for the nursing program are subject to nursing-specific deadlines.)
December 15 - Early Action II & Honors Program Deadline
February 1 - Regular Decision & Nursing Priority Deadline II
February 15 - FAFSA & Maryland Guaranteed Access Grant Deadline
Personalized Attention
At Hood, professors know your name and are invested in your success. Small class sizes create meaningful connections with faculty mentors who guide you throughout your academic journey.
Career-Focused Learning
From internships and research opportunities to clinical placements and leadership experiences, Hood helps students gain practical skills that translate into career success.
A Prime Location
Frederick, Maryland offers the perfect blend of a vibrant college town and easy access to opportunities in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and beyond.
A Supportive Community
Students find lifelong friendships, engaged faculty mentors, and a campus culture that encourages belonging, leadership, and personal growth.
- Private liberal arts college in Frederick, Maryland
- Test-optional admission
- Common Application accepted
- Rolling admission process
- Merit scholarships available
- Hands-on learning and research opportunities
- Access to internships throughout the Baltimore-Washington corridor
- Supportive residential campus community
Hood College students pursue a variety of interests and career paths through more than 40 undergraduate programs, including:
- Business
- Nursing
- Biology
- Social Work
- Integrated Marketing
- Psychology
- Education
- learn more about Hood College's 100+ majors and minors here.
A Hood education is an investment in your future, and we are committed to helping make it affordable.
Students are automatically considered for merit scholarships during the admission review process. Additional grants, scholarships, federal aid, state aid, and campus employment opportunities may be available to eligible students.
Financial Aid Checklist
- Apply for admission.
- Submit the FAFSA.
- Complete any requested financial aid documentation.
- Review your financial aid offer.
Have questions? Our admission team is here to help.
Office of Admission
301-696-3400
admission@hood.edu
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