University of Maryland, College Park

FLAGSHIP PUBLIC UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND

Admissions Guide for International Students

Maryland's flagship research university sits just ten miles from Washington, DC — a location that transforms the college experience into a front-row seat to federal policy, cutting-edge science agencies, and the capital's thriving tech corridor. UMD is a powerhouse in computer science, cybersecurity, aerospace, and quantum computing, and is one of the few public universities in America ranked in both the top 50 nationally and the top 200 globally. For ambitious international students who want the rigour of a research-intensive AAU institution alongside the energy of a Big Ten campus, Maryland offers a compelling combination of academic depth and real-world proximity.

With 41,000 students, strong graduate and research culture, and unmatched access to federal agencies including NASA, NIH, NSA, and NIST, UMD positions students for careers that bridge academia, government, and industry — a combination rarely found at a single campus.

University of Maryland, College Park — campus in pictures

Real, freely-licensed photographs of the campus (via Wikimedia Commons).

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Administration building at the University of Maryland, College Park, seen in morning light at the end of the reflecting pool on the Mall.

User:Tomf688 · CC BY-SA 2.5 · via Wikimedia Commons

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College Park - University of Maryland station on September 11, 2021 after Platform Improvement Project upgrades

Rainclaw7 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

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Elvert Barnes · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

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Campus Drive on the campus of the University of Maryland with the tracks of the Purple Line embedded in the roadway.

Rainclaw7 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

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Purple Line construction on Campus Drive next to College Park–University of Maryland station in May 2025

Pi.1415926535 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

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Courtyard Sculpture marking the University of Maryland, University College campus.

carmichaellibrary · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

The University of Maryland is not just a large public university — it is a member of the Association of American Universities, a consortium of the 71 leading research universities in North America, and one of the few flagship publics that can genuinely claim proximity to both Silicon Valley-level innovation and the organs of the federal government.

Ten miles from the nation's capital, UMD is uniquely positioned for internships and careers in federal agencies, think tanks, international organizations, and DC's fast-growing tech sector. Students secure placements at NASA Goddard, NIH, NSA, NIST, the World Bank, and hundreds of policy organisations — often while still enrolled.

Top-Tier Computer Science & Cybersecurity

UMD's Department of Computer Science consistently ranks among the top 20 in the US, and its cybersecurity programme benefits from proximity to the NSA and the Maryland Cybersecurity Center (MC2). The university hosts one of the few NSF-funded quantum computing centres in the country, IonQ's academic partnership, and the Joint Quantum Institute with NIST.

As a member of the Association of American Universities, UMD runs more than $600 million in annual research expenditures. Undergraduates can join faculty labs from Year 1 — the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) matches students to funded research positions across every college.

Joining UMD means entering the Big Ten — one of the most prestigious athletic and academic consortia in American higher education. Big Ten universities share library resources, research networks, and inter-university exchange programmes. Maryland's 41,000-strong student body and spirited campus culture give international students an authentic American university experience.

The Gemstone Honors Program places teams of undergraduates on three-year independent research projects, culminating in a team thesis. The QUEST Honors Fellows program combines engineering and business for students who want to build innovation pipelines. These programmes are rare at public universities and give motivated students a small-school research environment inside a large institution.

With 9% of students coming from outside the US and significant academic offices supporting international scholars, Maryland has invested in making global students feel at home. The university's Washington, DC proximity also means a cosmopolitan, politically engaged campus culture that draws students and speakers from across the world.

With an acceptance rate of 44%, UMD is moderately selective — more competitive than most regional universities but accessible to strong students who present themselves compellingly. For international students, the standards are comparable to domestic applicants, though the smaller international cohort means competition within that pool can be intense for the most popular programmes.

Programme-specific selectivity varies significantly: Computer Science, Engineering, and Business are substantially more competitive than the university-wide average. Apply to your intended major with a realistic sense of that programme's own profile.

https://admissions.umd.edu/apply/freshman-applicants

Founded in 1856 as the Maryland Agricultural College, the University of Maryland has grown into the state's flagship research institution and a member of both the Big Ten Conference and the Association of American Universities. The suburban College Park campus spans more than 1,200 acres and includes major research facilities, a performing arts centre, and one of the largest university libraries on the East Coast.

UMD accepts applications through the Common App and its own ApplyWeb platform. The review is holistic, considering more than 23 factors. Here is what you will need to submit.

Submit via Common App or ApplyWeb. International applicants must follow the international track if English is not their native language or if they hold non-US academic records.

One essay of up to 650 words, choosing from seven prompts (the standard Common App personal statement prompts). UMD does not require a separate supplemental essay for most programmes.

Two letters are required: one from your school counsellor and one from a teacher. Choose recommenders who know your academic work and can speak specifically to your intellectual curiosity and character.

Official transcripts from all secondary schools attended. International transcripts must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation. NACES-approved credential evaluations may be required.

Test-optional through the Fall 2027 cycle. You may submit SAT or ACT scores if they strengthen your application. Strong scores (1370+ SAT, 31+ ACT) are worth submitting.

Required for all applicants whose native language is not English, regardless of citizenship. UMD accepts IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo English Test scores — see the Academics tab for minimum thresholds.

https://admissions.umd.edu/apply/freshman-applicants

UMD's Office of Undergraduate Admissions evaluates each application holistically across more than 23 factors. For international students, understanding the balance between academic credentials, which are the core, and the qualitative dimensions that distinguish the admitted class is key.

Academic strength — particularly grade trajectory, course rigour, and performance in STEM subjects for technical majors — carries the most weight. Maryland looks for students who have taken the most challenging curriculum available to them, whether that is an IB Diploma, A-Levels, AP courses, or the national curriculum of their home country.

Strong grades across core subjects (mathematics, sciences, English/language arts, humanities) with an upward trend. A minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale is expected; competitive admits in CS and Engineering are typically well above this.

UMD values students who challenge themselves. If your school offers IB, A-Levels, or AP courses, taking the hardest available options signals readiness for university-level work.

The personal essay and recommendations should reveal genuine curiosity — students who pursue ideas beyond the classroom, ask original questions, or have pursued independent projects and research.

Quality over quantity. Maryland prefers students who have pursued meaningful involvement in one to three activities over students with a long, shallow list. Leadership, sustained commitment, and impact are valued.

Recommenders should attest to honesty, resilience, and the ability to contribute to a diverse campus community. International students should demonstrate genuine engagement with their own communities alongside academic achievement.

UMD offers Early Action (non-binding) and Regular Decision for fall enrollment. International students follow the same deadlines as domestic applicants for fall entry. The November 1 EA deadline is strongly recommended — it provides an earlier decision and positions you well for merit scholarship consideration.

All merit scholarships require submission by November 1 — there is no separate scholarship application. The Banneker/Key Scholarship, President's Scholarship, and other awards are automatically considered for students who apply by the EA deadline.

https://admissions.umd.edu/apply/application-deadlines

The University of Maryland's 1,200-acre campus in College Park is a vibrant, self-contained community that sits on the doorstep of the nation's capital. International students arrive to find a campus with everything they need — and a Metro ride to everything else.

On campus, more than 800 student organisations span academic clubs, cultural organisations, Greek life, media outlets, community service groups, and advocacy initiatives. The Student Government Association, a robust journalism school with a working TV and radio station, and one of the most active debate communities on the East Coast all contribute to a culture where students are genuinely engaged.

Freshmen are guaranteed on-campus housing in one of 30+ residence halls. The Terrapin Row and South Campus Commons offer apartment-style options. Living in a first-year community like Oakland Hall or Carroll Hall gives international students an easy social foundation.

The College Park Metro station (Green Line) is a 10-minute walk from the centre of campus. Students can reach downtown DC — the Smithsonian museums, the Kennedy Center, federal offices, and the major internship hubs — in under 30 minutes with a SmarTrip card.

The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center hosts world-class performances. The Stamp Student Union is a hub for dining, events, and student services. The international student community is supported by the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS), which runs orientation, legal advising, and cultural events.

Maryland Terrapins compete in the Big Ten Conference. Football games at SECU Stadium, basketball at XFINITY Center, and the passionate Terp fan culture are central to campus life. Intramural and club sports are available across dozens of disciplines.

UMD's location is its greatest career asset. Federal agencies, defence contractors, tech companies, financial firms, international organisations, and policy institutes recruit directly from campus. The Robert H. Smith School of Business, A. James Clark School of Engineering, and the iSchool all run dedicated career centres with strong employer networks.

Computer science and engineering graduates routinely enter software engineering, cybersecurity, and data science roles at firms including Google, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and the major consulting firms. Finance and business graduates often enter financial services, consulting, or federal financial agencies. The proximity to the NIH and FDA creates a unique pipeline for pre-med, public health, and biomedical engineering students.

UMD Admissions — International Student FAQs

Is UMD test-optional for international students?

Yes. UMD is test-optional through the Fall 2027 cycle, and this applies equally to international applicants. However, if your SAT or ACT scores fall in the middle-50% range (1370–1520 SAT, 31–34 ACT), submitting them is likely to strengthen your application. Strong test scores can help demonstrate English proficiency indirectly but do not replace the formal English-test requirement.

Do international students still need to submit English proficiency scores even if they attended an English-medium school?

UMD requires English proficiency scores from applicants whose native language is not English, regardless of the language of instruction at their school. Exceptions may apply to applicants from certain English-speaking countries — verify on the international admissions page, as the exact exemption criteria can change.

Which programmes are most competitive at UMD?

Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Business Analytics are the most competitive majors. If you are targeting these, aim for the upper end of the SAT/ACT range, a strong IB score well above 36, and a compelling narrative around your interest in the field.

Can international students receive merit scholarships?

Yes. The President's Scholarship (up to $20,000 per year) is open to international students. The Banneker/Key Scholarship, UMD's most prestigious award, is limited to US citizens and eligible non-citizens. You must apply by November 1 — no separate scholarship application is required.

Is need-based financial aid available to international students?

UMD offers very limited need-based aid to international students. Most federal, state, and institutional grants require US citizenship or eligible immigration status. International students should plan to cover costs through family resources, the President's Scholarship (merit-based), home-country scholarships, or private loans with a US co-signer.

For most programmes, UMD requires only the standard Common App personal essay (up to 650 words, one of seven prompts). There is no additional supplemental essay for general undergraduate admission. The School of Music requires a supplemental application and audition.

What is the Honors College and how does it affect admissions?

The Honors College at UMD is a selective academic community offering smaller seminars, dedicated advising, and prestigious scholarship access including the Banneker/Key. Admission to Honors College is competitive and requires separate consideration. International students can apply and are eligible for most Honors programmes.

Is College Park a safe and accessible city for international students?

College Park is a university town with a large student population. The campus is well-served by the Washington Metro (Green Line), making DC easily accessible. The OISS office provides orientation, visa advising, and support services specifically for international students.

The University of Maryland is a research-intensive AAU institution where academic rigour is a baseline expectation, not an aspiration. For international students, understanding what UMD's admissions team looks for — and what academic profile gives you the best chance — is the first step to building a competitive application.

UMD's admissions review is holistic, but academic preparation carries the greatest weight. The admissions office evaluates the difficulty of your curriculum, your performance relative to what was available to you, and your trajectory over time. International students who have completed the IB Diploma, A-Levels, or the most advanced track of their national curriculum are well-positioned — provided the grades match the ambition.

These ranges are drawn from the facts file and represent the middle 50% of admitted students. Applicants outside these ranges are still considered, but those in the upper portion have a significantly stronger statistical profile.

UMD has adopted a test-optional policy through the Fall 2027 application cycle. This means submitting SAT or ACT scores is your choice, and not submitting them will not disadvantage your application.

Strategic advice for international students: if your scores fall within or above the middle-50% range (1370–1520 SAT, 31–34 ACT), submit them — they reinforce your academic profile. If your scores are below the 25th percentile, omitting them and letting your grades, IB results, and essay do the work is a reasonable strategy. Scores will not be used to screen applications when withheld, but they can add a positive data point when strong.

Test-optional does NOT mean English-test-optional. Separate IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo scores are still required for applicants whose native language is not English.

https://admissions.umd.edu/apply/freshman-applicants

For international students who choose to submit test scores, here is how UMD uses them and what competitive-range scores look like.

The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math sections are both considered. International students often score stronger in Math — aim to balance this with a strong EBRW to demonstrate English readiness alongside quantitative ability. A combined score above 1450 is a meaningful asset.

The ACT's science section is useful for demonstrating analytical reasoning, particularly for engineering and pre-med applicants. An ACT composite of 32+ is a competitive submission. If English is not your first language, the ACT English and Reading sections provide an additional signal of language readiness.

If your SAT is below 1300 or your ACT below 29, omitting scores and focusing the reader's attention on your IB results, grades, and personal essay is generally the better strategy at UMD's current admissions threshold.

IB Diploma, A-Levels & Other International Credentials

UMD is experienced at evaluating international qualifications and has clear credit-granting policies for IB and A-Level students. Understanding these policies helps you plan which courses to prioritise.

A total IB score of 36 or above is broadly competitive at UMD. For the most selective programmes (CS, Engineering, Business), aiming higher is wise. UMD grants university credit for Higher Level courses with scores of 5, 6, or 7 — check the official transfer-credit schedule. A strong HL Mathematics and HL sciences profile is particularly important for STEM applicants.

Three A-Levels with grades of A*–B in relevant subjects are generally competitive. For STEM programmes, A-Levels in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry are highly valued. UMD may grant credit for A-Level results — check the Transfer Credit Evaluation guide on the registrar's site.

Students from India (CBSE/ISC), Singapore (H2/H3), Malaysia (STPM), France (Baccalauréat), Germany (Abitur), and other national systems are all considered. UMD evaluates these credentials holistically. Where grade conversion is needed, they use established conversion scales — present your results clearly and include context if your grading system is unfamiliar.

International students attending US-curriculum schools or IB schools with AP options can strengthen their profile with AP courses. UMD grants credit for AP scores of 3, 4, or 5 in many subjects — a score of 4 or 5 in AP Calculus BC, Physics, Chemistry, or Computer Science A is particularly useful.

While UMD reviews your overall academic record, specific subject preparation matters — especially for undergraduate programmes with limited seats.

Strongest preparation: mathematics through calculus or beyond, physics, and some programming exposure. IB HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or A-Level Further Mathematics is a significant advantage. Prior programming experience (even self-taught) demonstrates genuine interest.

Strong mathematics and analytical skills are expected, alongside English writing ability. IB HL Economics, Mathematics, and Business Management are good preparation. The Robert H. Smith School receives highly competitive applications — grades matter as much as fit.

Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the highest level available are essential. For pre-health students, a strong science GPA throughout university is critical — prepare rigorously before arriving. UMD's proximity to NIH offers extraordinary research opportunities for the prepared.

Strong writing, analytical reading, and language skills. History, Literature, and Economics at the higher level are valuable. The Philip Merrill College of Journalism is a professional school — portfolio and writing samples may enhance your application narrative.

All applicants whose native language is not English must submit official English proficiency scores, regardless of the language of instruction at their secondary school. UMD accepts three testing options.

No individual band score minimums published — overall 7.0 required

Internet-based test; must be from an approved testing centre

Accepted; check official page for the most current threshold

Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to UMD. The university code for TOEFL is 5814. Exceptions to the English proficiency requirement may be granted for citizens of certain primarily English-speaking countries — confirm with the Office of International Students and Scholars.

https://admissions.umd.edu/apply/freshman-applicants

Building Your Academic Profile — Year by Year

Getting into UMD as an international student is a multi-year process. Here is a practical ladder.

Choose the hardest curriculum available to you — IB, A-Level, or national advanced track. Develop strong fundamentals in Mathematics, Sciences, and Language Arts. Identify one or two academic interests that will define your extracurricular narrative.

Take Higher Level or A-Level equivalents in your core subjects. Begin a research project, independent study, or science competition. Consider a summer programme or online course at a US institution to demonstrate academic readiness and familiarity with the American system.

Grade 12 (First Term): Apply by November 1

Submit your Common App application by November 1 for Early Action. This is also the merit scholarship deadline. Sit standardised tests if your scores will add value. Request recommendations in September — give teachers ample notice.

UMD will review your mid-year grades. Maintain or improve your performance — offers can be rescinded for significant grade drops. Report final IB, A-Level, or national exam results as they become available.

Academic Mistakes International Students Make

Applying to CS or Engineering without a strong mathematics background and expecting holistic factors to compensate

Submitting weak standardised test scores under test-optional rather than simply not submitting them

Assuming that attending an English-medium school exempts you from the IELTS/TOEFL requirement

Waiting until Grade 12 to begin building extracurricular depth — a last-minute activity list is transparent to admissions officers

Applying only Regular Decision and missing the November 1 merit scholarship window

Listing intended major as Computer Science without any computational coursework, projects, or experiences to back it up

Under-explaining your national curriculum to admissions readers — include a context note or ask your counsellor to clarify grading scales

Understanding the Cost of Attending Maryland

As a public flagship, UMD is meaningfully more affordable than private research universities of comparable stature — but international students pay out-of-state tuition and have limited access to institutional need-based aid. Honest planning is essential.

International students should budget carefully. While UMD's tuition is lower than private peers, federal and state grant programmes are unavailable to non-US-resident students. Merit scholarships are the primary pathway to reducing costs, making the November 1 EA deadline strategically important.

All figures below are for international undergraduate students and are drawn from the university's published figures. These are annual estimates; actual costs may vary by programme, housing choice, and personal spending.

Cost of Living (Housing + Food + Personal)

One-time; non-refundable; waivers may be available

These figures are estimates based on the current published cost of attendance. Actual tuition and fees are set annually by the Board of Regents and may increase each year. Budget for a 3–5% annual increase over four years.

UMD's financial aid picture for international students is limited but not zero. Understanding the landscape clearly helps you plan without surprises.

Federal grants (Pell, SEOG), state grants, and most institutional grants require US citizenship or eligible immigration status. As a result, the majority of international undergraduate students are ineligible for need-based aid from the university's central financial aid office. The primary pathways to reducing cost are merit scholarships (awarded automatically to strong applicants who apply by November 1) and home-country government scholarships.

Merit Scholarships (Open to Internationals)

The President's Scholarship (up to $20,000/year) is explicitly open to international students. No separate application is required — apply by November 1 to be considered. This is the most direct route to cost reduction for international applicants.

Many governments — including those of China, India, Korea, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and others — offer outbound study scholarships for students admitted to ranked US universities. MEXT (Japan), LPDP (Indonesia), KGSP (Korea), and similar programmes are worth investigating well before application.

International students without US citizenship may access private educational loans with a creditworthy US citizen or permanent resident as a co-signer. The university's financial aid office provides guidance on approved lenders.

Some academic departments, particularly in STEM, offer competitive scholarships or research stipends open to high-performing undergraduates. Check with the specific department or school after admission.

https://financialaid.umd.edu/international-students

UMD's merit scholarships are automatically considered for applicants who submit a complete application by November 1. No separate scholarship application is required.

UMD's flagship merit award — covers up to the full cost of tuition, mandatory fees, housing, food, and a book allowance. Requires admission to the Honors College. Open to US citizens and eligible non-citizens; international students without eligible immigration status are generally not eligible. Finalists are interviewed in late February/early March; decisions by April 1.

https://admissions.umd.edu/tuition/freshman-merit-scholarships

Awards between $2,000 and $20,000 annually over four years. Open to both in-state and out-of-state applicants, including international students. Evaluated on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, awards, and essays. Decisions by April 1.

https://admissions.umd.edu/tuition/freshman-merit-scholarships

Awards $1,500 for freshman year or $4,500 for freshman and sophomore years combined. Open to in-state Maryland residents only — international students are not eligible.

https://admissions.umd.edu/tuition/freshman-merit-scholarships

A competitive scholarship recognising students with exceptional leadership, service, and academic achievement. Named in honour of Frederick Douglass, who spent much of his later life in Maryland. Check eligibility and requirements on the official admissions site.

https://admissions.umd.edu/tuition/frederick-douglass-scholarship

Without need-based aid, most international students face the full sticker cost of roughly $62,000 per year. Here is a realistic picture of what that means and how to think about it.

Compared to private research universities of similar standing — where international tuition can exceed $80,000 per year — UMD represents meaningful savings, particularly for students who earn merit scholarships. A President's Scholarship at the top end ($20,000/year) brings the net annual cost to approximately $42,000, which remains competitive with many private US university offers before aid.

Four-year total cost planning matters. Budget for annual tuition increases (typically 3–5%), and note that while on-campus housing costs are included in the cost-of-attendance estimate, off-campus living in the DC metro area can be significantly more expensive than the published figure suggests.

How to Maximise Funding as an International Student

The EA deadline is the merit scholarship deadline. There is no separate scholarship application — submit a strong, complete application by November 1 and you are automatically considered for all merit awards.

Government outbound scholarships (LPDP, KGSP, MEXT, Malaysian Government Scholarship, etc.) often require applications a year in advance. Start research in your penultimate school year, not after you receive your UMD offer.

After admission, reach out to the financial aid office of your specific college (e.g., Clark School of Engineering, Robert H. Smith School of Business) to ask about department-level scholarships or research funding for undergraduates.

International students are eligible for many private US scholarships not limited by citizenship — databases like Fastweb, Going Merry, and your home-country education authorities can surface options. Some professional associations in engineering, business, and journalism offer scholarships for international students.

F-1 visa holders may work on campus up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during breaks. On-campus employment — research assistantships, library positions, dining, and administrative roles — can supplement living costs meaningfully.

Does UMD meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for international students?

No. UMD does not have a meet-100%-of-need policy for international students. Federal and most institutional need-based grants require US citizenship or eligible immigration status. Merit scholarships are the primary aid pathway for international applicants.

When and how are merit scholarships announced?

Merit scholarship decisions are typically announced alongside or shortly after admission decisions — by February 1 for EA applicants and by April 1 for RD applicants. No separate scholarship application is required; all students who apply by November 1 are automatically considered.

Is the cost of attendance lower if I live off campus?

Possibly, but not significantly in the DC metro area. College Park and the surrounding area have higher-than-average rental costs. On-campus housing for freshmen is guaranteed and often competitively priced compared to off-campus options near the Metro.

Can international students work in the US to cover costs?

F-1 visa holders may work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Off-campus work requires CPT or OPT authorization. On-campus jobs range from $15–$20/hour and can provide meaningful supplemental income.

Are there scholarship opportunities during the programme, not just at entry?

Yes. Once enrolled, students can apply for departmental awards, research stipends, and competitive scholarships administered by individual colleges. The Honors College has its own funding streams. The Office of International Students and Scholars maintains a list of scholarships available to currently enrolled international students.

Essay Strategy for International Students

The University of Maryland applies through the Common App or ApplyWeb. Unlike many similarly-ranked US universities, UMD does not require a supplemental essay for most programmes — making the Common App personal statement your only major written submission. This single essay carries significant weight: use it wisely.

For international students, the essay is a rare opportunity to give admissions readers something they cannot see in your transcript: your voice, your values, your intellectual character, and your ability to write in English with nuance and clarity. Given that UMD reviews more than 23 factors holistically, a memorable personal essay can be the difference between a strong file that tips positive and one that gets deferred.

UMD accepts the Common App and its own ApplyWeb platform. Most international students use the Common App for convenience and familiarity.

Common App or ApplyWeb. Both are accepted; the Common App is generally recommended for international students applying to multiple US universities, as one application serves multiple institutions.

One essay, up to 650 words, responding to one of the seven Common App prompts. This is the same personal statement you may use for other US universities. Tailor it to be authentic — UMD readers want YOUR story, not a generic success narrative.

For standard undergraduate admission, UMD does not require a supplemental essay. The School of Music requires a supplemental application. Otherwise, the Common App essay is your only extended written submission.

Your activities list and any additional information section in the Common App contribute to the full application picture. Use the additional information section if you have significant context to provide — gaps, extenuating circumstances, or elaborations that don't fit elsewhere.