Enhanced Personal Reflections for
2010 Freshman Application
To better inform our holistic review process and allow us to make appropriate matches with our living and learning programs, we have enhanced two sections of the application that allow students the opportunity for personal reflection.
A preview of the Fall 2010 Freshman Application . . .
Essays
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 answers, making them creative and succinct. We hope that you will use this opportunity as a time for self-reflection and intellectual meditation.
Please choose two of the following essay questions to answer. Each essay should be no more than 300 words. Include the questions you choose at the start of each essay.
1. 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, What Is the What by Dave Eggers, is the fictional account of a Sudanese refugee’s search for home and self. Choose from one of the following two options to write your essay:
a) If you were to write a novel about a fictional character based on real events, past or present, who would you write about and why? How do you relate to this character?
OR
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?
2. The University of Maryland prides itself on being an inclusive community that celebrates differences, brings together people from the widest array of backgrounds and perspectives, and recognizes that excellence cannot be achieved without diversity. What do you look forward to gaining from the diversity of the University of Maryland community?
3. One definition of sacrifice is “to surrender or give up, or permit injury or disadvantage to, for the sake of something else.” Describe a time when you put the significant needs of someone else ahead of your own.
4. The former king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, has expressed a philosophy of “Gross National Happiness” as a measurement of the success of the country. What is your personal philosophy? Tell us why you believe it could be used to evaluate a country’s success.
5. 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.)
Short Answers
Our President’s Promise allows students to engage in special experiences that complement the academic curriculum and offer opportunities for extraordinary personal growth outside of the classroom. Getting to know you better will help us understand what opportunities may interest you most. To tell us more about yourself, please complete the sentences below in 20 words or fewer.
In addition to my intended major, my academic interests include…
I felt like a mentor when I…
My favorite thing about last weekend 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…
