Maryland · 75.5% acceptance · private · Tier 5
Loyola Maryland weights demonstrated Catholic/Jesuit values and fit for their specific strong programs (Sellinger School of Business, psychology, communications) more heavily than typical peer schools at this acceptance rate. They're notably looser on standardized tests than comparable schools—a 1210 is genuinely competitive here—but stricter on evidence of service orientation, leadership in community settings, and alignment with Jesuit mission; applicants who can articulate why the school's Ignatian identity matters to them personally stand out. GPA matters more as a predictor of success in their rigorous majors than as a threshold filter.
Use Loyola's "Why us?" to connect your intended major (especially if Sellinger, psychology, or communications) to specific resources—name the Sellinger case competitions, the psychology research opportunities, the media labs—rather than generic mission statements. If you have genuine Jesuit or Catholic background, weave it in authentically; if not, focus on demonstrated service work or leadership that aligns with the school's community-engagement ethos, and explain why their particular approach to educating the whole person appeals to you. Avoid repeating your main essay; use this space to show you've researched their actual programs and can articulate a concrete fit.
If you only have time for one thing this month, do this: