<p>How important? Well, it’s definitely a nice thing, but in no way necessary! If he doesn’t want to make the effort, it’s all good. </p>
<p>The nice bonus of being in scholars is the community and the convenience to the science, math and engineering buildings. It gives you that extra 10 minutes to sleep…ha ha.</p>
<p>However, if he is in a STEM major, and he “is not really big on collaborative team projects,” he is in for a rude awakening. You can’t escape team projects in STEM classes… </p>
<p>FYI, if he is going into engineering, he should look into and apply for VIRTUS, which is a living-learning community for engineers. Not sure what the deadline to apply is - either April 1 or May 1. [Virtus:</a> A Living Learning Community, SEEDS Programs, Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland](<a href=“http://www.seeds.umd.edu/programs/virtus.html]Virtus:”>http://www.seeds.umd.edu/programs/virtus.html)</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>