<p>Hi CC folks, I’ve been trying to work on my Common App essays and I was wondering when the University of Maryland’s topics would be out (or if they already are and are floating around)? Their website seems to still be geared towards the 2013-14 season so I wasn’t sure. Thanks :)</p>
<p>I think the app will be available beginning of August. My youngest is waiting also…to give you a sense of how different these essays are from the common app choices, I am posting previous years with the understanding you know that these will change and are NOT current… Best of luck and remember it is critical to get your Maryland app submitted by Nov 1. Not only does it give you best chance for admission (and it’s not a commitment), it’s the only way to be eligible for merit scholarships and special programs…</p>
<p>Last year the essay questions were posted by someone on this page <a href=“University of Maryland essay- 2013-2014 - Google Docs”>https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cTYJIq5Z0egBDBmby7ZPLsbJlYsQCuFsSMKFCTBsDGs/edit</a></p>
<p>and these were the essay questions and short answers from 2012:
Select two of the following options. Each essay is should be no more than 300 words.</p>
<ol>
<li>All first-year students at the University of Maryland read one book together as part of our First Year Book program. This year’s book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot explores one individual’s unknowing gift to humanity. In 1951, Henrietta Lacks was admitted to Johns Hopkins Hospital to receive radiation treatment for cervical cancer. There, cells taken from her body without her knowledge were grown in a culture and are still alive today. Known to scientists as HeLa, these ‘immortal’ cells have become one of medical research’s most important tools. Choose from one of the following two options to write your essay:</li>
</ol>
<p>a. There is general consensus that Henrietta Lacks is responsible for one of the most significant contributions to science; however, there is less consensus regarding the methods used to achieve these scientific advancements. The line between science and ethics is often hotly debated. Where would you draw the line and why?</p>
<p>b. Select your own book for the First Year Book program and tell us why you would want to share it with your classmates in the incoming class. Why does this book have personal meaning to you?</p>
<ol>
<li><p>‘Seek the fashion which truly fits and befits you. You will always be in fashion if you are true to yourself, and only if you are true to yourself. You might, of course, rightly wear that style which is emblazoned on the fashion magazines of the day, or you might not.’ - Maya Angelou. Other than fashion, what medium(s) do you choose for self-expression and why?</p></li>
<li><p>‘The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.’ - Aristotle. The intellectual, social and cultural differences embraced by the University of Maryland are integral to the fabric of our community. The strength of the University is realized through the contributions of every member of our campus. We understand each individual is a result of his/her personal background and experiences. Describe the parts that add up to the sum of you.</p></li>
<li><p>According to Henry David Thoreau, ‘One is not born into the world to do everything, but to do something.’ What is your something?</p></li>
<li><p>Write your own question and respond to it. Please be sure to tell us why you think this essay represents you well. (Your question will not be included in the essay word count.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Each sentence should be completed using up to 20 words (only the part that you add counts). The online form also limits each response to 140 characters.
In addition to my major, my academic interests include
I felt like a mentor when
My favorite thing about last Tuesday was
My career goals are
My favorite place I have visited is
When I hear about the environment I think
One time I led a
The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was
The one thing I never expected to gain from doing community service was
I am unstoppable when</p>
<p>Wow, thanks for all of the info! I’ll keep my eyes out for it then :)</p>
<p>Your question had me curious also, so I called and was told they don’t have an exact date but sometime around or after mid-August…so much for getting a head start… </p>
<p>Nah, that’s fine. Having some idea is better than having nothing to go on at all :)</p>
<p>Hey OP, I’m applying to UMD as well. I checked the application today, and the essay questions are much different (and easier, I might add) than what was posted above. That means that the essays are up, I do believe.</p>
<p>@kevin5926 Do you mind posting them? I’d like to compare as I applied last year. </p>
<p>Yeah is there any way you can post them? I’m planning on applying as early as I can since it’s my first choice.</p>
<p>they are out now.</p>
<p>OK, so copypasted from the essay page of the application:</p>
<p>The college admission process is an effort to uncover the aspects of your personality and experience that fit well with the University of Maryland community. When considering your approach to the following essay questions, think deeply about your answer, making it creative and succinct. We hope that you will use this opportunity as a time for self-reflection and intellectual meditation. Please choose one of the following essay questions to answer. Your essay should be no more than 500 words. Include the question you choose at the start of your essay. The question will not be included in the essay word count.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Terps are diverse. They bring intellectual, social and cultural differences to our community. Describe the different parts of you which will contribute to our diverse campus community.</p></li>
<li><p>Tell us about a time when your expectations and outcomes differed. How did you grow from this experience?</p></li>
<li><p>Include an image of a place that is significant to you. Share its story with us. (Please upload your image in the document with your essay.)</p></li>
<li><p>Describe a time when you were a fearless leader.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>In addition to answering one of the questions above, please include any additional information you would like to provide if extenuating circumstances have affected your performance or extracurricular activities. This information is only necessary if these circumstances have not been discussed in any other part of your application. Maximum 100 words. </p>
<p>And from the short answer page, 160 characters/answer:</p>
<p>When I grow up… </p>
<p>The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was… </p>
<p>In addition to my major, my academic interests include… </p>
<p>My favorite thing about last Wednesday… </p>
<p>Someone who influences me is…</p>
<p>Where are you finding the essay prompts. I don’t see them on my son’s app page</p>
<p>@nursegigi go to the freshman essays tab on the left side, if its not there you might have to create a new application</p>