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2023-24 University of Maryland (UMD) Supplemental Essays – Prompts and Tips

September 8, 2023

With more than 56,000 applicants per year, you might think that the University of Maryland—College Park admissions committee would want to create a fast-paced assembly line for application reviews that is 99% based on the hard numbers like GPA and SAT scores. Yet, in addition to those important data points and the 650-word Common App essay, prospective Terrapins are  also asked to complete six short “Complete this Sentence” University of Maryland supplemental essays as part of a genuinely holistic admissions process. Today, we’ll explore the UMD supplemental essays.

 (Want to learn more about How to Get Into the University of Maryland—College Park? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into the University of Maryland: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

As the University of Maryland becomes more selective—the acceptance rate was just 34% last year—applicants need to find ways to stand out from the competition. Fortunately, these six short answer essays provide just such an opportunity. Below are the UMD supplemental essays for the 2023-24 admissions cycle along with tips about how to address each one.

UMD Supplemental Essays – 2023-24 Prompts

Applicants must complete each of the following fill-in-the-blank responses in 650 characters (not words!) max each:

1) If I could travel anywhere, I would go to… (650 characters)

There’s nothing wrong with simply naming a popular and/or exotic city if you wish, but don’t feel like that is your sole option with this essay. For example, you could travel to see a particular painting in an art gallery in Finland. You could travel through time to have a conversation with 19th century women’s right’s hero Elizabeth Cady Stanton. You could travel to Montana’s Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument to dig for dinosaur fossils alongside paleontologists. There is no shortage of ways to create an answer that contains more depth and meaning than simply saying “Paris, because it has beautiful architecture.”

2) The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was… (650 characters)

“But wait, I’m a 17/18-year-old who has done some experiments in Chemistry class, but I didn’t exactly win a Nobel Prize for learning how to safely use a Bunsen burner.” Applicants sometimes panic when they first read this question. However, the only expectation is that you cite a finding from someone else’s research that you found meaningful and enlightening. If you aren’t interested in the hard sciences, that’s perfectly fine! There is plenty of research that takes place outside of the STEM realm. Some ideas include:

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UMD Supplemental Essays (Continued)

3) in addition to my major, my academic interests include… (650 characters).

Note the operative phrase here—“In addition to my major.” This is a chance to talk about one or more of your academic passions that are a) an extension of your major b) separate from your major or c) part of an interdisciplinary connection between your major and another discipline.

Of course, the second key word here is “academic” so you’ll want to make sure that the subject or subjects you wish to discuss are at least somewhat related to an area that could be studied in college. Use this prompt to showcase your diverse interests and intellectual passions and remember that “academic” in a college setting means more than just straight subjects like high school biology, geometry, or world history. In a collegiate setting, there are academic offerings in psychology, art, criminal justice, philosophy, artificial intelligence, and hundreds of other expansive and intriguing options so don’t feel overly-constrained!

4) My favorite thing about last Thursday was… (650 characters)

You could look back at your Google Calendar or old texts in a quest to uncover whether last Thursday was the day you reheated beef stroganoff for dinner or whether that was the night you ordered Uber Eats from Chipotle while studying for a Calculus final. However, there is another way to reimagine the question which removes “last Thursday’s” random and limiting presence altogether. Instead, change the question to, “What is something that has happened to me recently that may have seemed small/everyday-ish, but truly mattered to me and communicates something about my character/personality?”

Think of this prompt as a chance to show off your skills of observation and reflection. Even in 650 characters, try to paint a picture of your appreciation for one of life’s small moments.

5) When I think of diversity, I think of.. (650 characters)

Try to avoid going the stale “the dictionary definition of diversity is…” route. Get personal and share what being a part of a diverse community means to you. Remember, diversity can apply to race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, and gender. Even diversity of thought and political ideology are on the table here. The goal is to sincerely communicate your feelings toward being a member of a diverse Terrapin campus. In fact, 47% of current undergraduates identify as students of color.

6) Because we know that diversity benefits the educational experience of all students, the University of Maryland values diversity in all of its many forms.  This includes (but is not limited to) racial, socio-economic, gender, geographical, and sexual orientation.  We are interested in hearing about your own individual life experiences.  In a few sentences, will you please describe how you have learned, grown, been inspired or developed skills through one or more components of diversity.  (650 characters)

Remember, diversity can apply to race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, and gender. Even diversity of thought and political ideology are on the table here. The goal is to think about your experiences and observations in this realm—is there a particular situation, challenge, or aspect of your own (or someone else’s) identity that has enabled you to learn or grow in this area? Perhaps you’ve learned how to advocate for yourself or someone else, been exposed to a new way of thinking, learned how to have difficult conversations, educated others, or been inspired by a peer’s story. Bottom line: there are many possible options here, and UMD wants to understand how you would contribute to and/or support diverse spaces on campus.

How important are the UMD supplemental essays?

The essays at the University of Maryland are an “important” factor in their evaluation process, alongside class rank, recommendations, talent/ability, first-generation status, and state residency. This ranks higher than factors such as extracurricular activities, legacy status, race/ethnicity, or work experience.

Want personalized assistance with your UMD supplemental essays?

If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your UMD supplemental essays, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

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University of Maryland Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Wondering how to write your University of Maryland supplemental essays? If so, you’re in the right place. The UMD essay prompts are unique, both in length and style. In fact, all of the UMD supplemental essays are actually short-answer questions. So, applicants need to be strategic about their responses to the UMD prompts if they want to make their application stand out. 

In this guide to the UMD essays, we’ll go beyond just introducing you to the UMD essay prompts. You’ll find tips for building your short answer responses and for writing your all-important personal statement. If you are considering transferring to UMD, we also go over the UMD supplemental essays for transfer students. Finally, we will connect you to several other resources that can aid you in your essay writing journey. 

By the end of this guide, we hope to have answered most of your questions about applying to UMD. Then, you’ll have the tools you’ll need to write excellent University of Maryland supplemental essays. But, before we jump in, let’s start with some UMD Admissions Quick Facts.

UMD Supplemental Essays: Quick Facts

University of maryland admissions quick facts.

• University of Maryland Acceptance Rate:  44% – If you’re considering applying early, note that the early acceptance rate at UMD is 47.7%.
• 1 (~650 word) personal essay
• 6 (~650 character) short answer questions
• University of Maryland Application:  Students must submit their UMD application through the  Common Application or the StandOut Admissions Network . Prepare your  required application materials , including your University of Maryland supplemental essays, before applying . 
• Early Action: November 1
• Regular Decision: January 20 
• University of Maryland Essay Tip:  Don’t overthink your responses to the University of Maryland supplemental essays. Go with an answer that feels authentic and then write concise and clear answers to the prompts. 

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does the University of Maryland have supplemental essays?

Yes – there are six University of Maryland supplemental essays. However, the UMD supplemental essays are very different from most other schools’ essay prompts. Let’s look at a few ways they differ.

Short Essays

First, the University of Maryland supplemental essays are very short. On average, supplemental essays range in word count from 150-300 words. The University of Maryland supplemental essays are described as short answer questions, and rightly so. The maximum length is 650 characters, which amounts to anywhere from 92 to 163 words, depending on your word length. With such limited space, you’ll need to be concise in your answers to the UMD College Park supplemental essays.

Quirky Questions

Secondly, the University of Maryland supplemental essays are focused on understanding who you are through different snapshots of your life. Many supplemental essays focus on your academic interests or why you want to attend a given college. However, the UMD supplemental essays ask seemingly random questions like “What did you do last Thursday?”. While the UMD essay prompts might seem random, they’re there for a reason: to take the pressure off! These fun prompts allow students to showcase a realistic and holistic perspective on who they are beyond being a student.

Six Prompts

Finally, there are six UMD supplemental essays. Most commonly, schools have one to two required supplemental essays and potentially an optional one. By offering six University of Maryland supplemental essays, UMD seeks to give students many ways to showcase who they are. And, since they’re all required, applicants have no choice but to make the most of their responses.

Next, let’s look at each of the UMD College Park supplemental essays and talk about how you might respond to each one.

UMD Supplemental Essay Requirements

As we shared above, there are six required University of Maryland supplemental essays. The word limit for each is 650 characters (between 92 and 136 words). In this section, we will start by breaking down what each of the UMD essay prompts is looking for. Then, we’ll get into how you can provide an answer that will impress University of Maryland admissions officers.

Here are the six UMD essay prompts, followed by some guidance about how to respond.

University of Maryland Prompt 1

If i could travel anywhere, i would go to….

The first of the UMD supplemental essays is a fun one. With this question, the school is looking to see your adventurous spirit come through. Answer authentically, while being specific. Avoid being too general by stating the name of a continent or a country. Instead, choose a city, town, or even neighborhood. And, avoid cliches that are overused, such as “I would travel to another time period.” You can generally avoid falling into the trap of cliches if you’re specific and answer in a heartfelt, honest manner.

University of Maryland Prompt 2

The most interesting fact i ever learned from research was… .

In the second of your University of Maryland supplemental essays, UMD is looking for evidence of your curious mindset. Feel free to interpret the word “research” broadly. While actual scientific research is valid to highlight, it’s not the only avenue to choose. You could also talk about a topic you did a deep dive on the internet to learn more about. Again, be specific about why this fact interested you. 

Second, connect your interest back to a personal value or an academic subject you enjoy. For example, maybe you were fascinated to learn that the Great Pacific Garbage Patch contains enough trash to fill 500 Jumbo Jets. You’d want to then speak to why this was important to you and if learning it had any impact on your future thoughts or actions.

University of Maryland Prompt 3

In addition to my major, my academic interests include… .

The third of your UMD supplemental essays is focused on your academic interests. The key to this prompt are the words, “In addition to my major.” This question is looking for insight into other fields of interest besides your stated major. The University of Maryland supplemental essays create space for you to highlight your various interests and demonstrate your intellectual curiosity.

To answer this question, consider other academic subjects that interest you. Note that you do not have to list a field, like mechanical engineering or business. Instead, you can provide specific topics that interest you. For example, maybe your academic interests include reading Shakespearean plays or learning Italian. Include a few sentences about why you are interested in this topic. Do you have fond memories of acting out Shakespearean plays in sophomore English? Maybe you have plans to one day travel to Florence, so learning Italian inspires you. Whatever you choose, be genuine.

University of Maryland Prompt 4

My favorite thing about last thursday was… .

Some students may read this UMD supplemental essay prompt and wonder why the school wants to know what happened last Thursday. The answer is simple – they want to know what you really value in your daily life. Don’t overthink your response. Rather, try to reflect upon your previous Thursday with wonder. What did you enjoy about that day? What was exciting, inspiring, or special? Maybe the weather was so cool and crisp that you felt inspired to go for a run. Or perhaps, you found out a friend won an award, and it made you happy to see that person honored. 

If you can’t remember what you did last Thursday, then pick any recent day you do remember. The school does not actually care about Thursday in particular, but rather the way in which you reflect upon your life. Use sensory details and explain why your answer is meaningful to you. Remember, even the little things can give your University of Maryland supplemental essays extra flair. 

University of Maryland Prompt 5

Something you might not know about me is… .

For some students, the most challenging of the UMD College Park supplemental essays is this one because of its open-endedness. However, rather than stress about trying to guess what might impress University of Maryland admissions officers, simply be yourself. This prompt allows you to highlight something that does not fit into any of the other prompts. So, you might wish to answer this question last.

Indeed, there is no “right” answer to this question. But you should still take time to think of something about yourself that is actually meaningful to you. Maybe you love waking up early on Saturdays to have pancakes with your family because it reminds you of how much you are loved. Maybe you paint portraits of your favorite hip-hop artists because you admire their music so much. As with all the UMD supplemental essays, being genuine and explaining why you chose your answer will be key.

University of Maryland Prompt 6

Because we know that diversity benefits the educational experience of all students, the university of maryland values diversity in all of its many forms. this includes (but is not limited to) racial, socio-economic, gender, geographical, and sexual orientation. we are interested in hearing about your own individual life experiences. in a few sentences, will you please describe how you have learned, grown, been inspired or developed skills through one or more components of diversity. .

The last, but certainly not least important, of the UMD College Park supplemental essays is the diversity question. The first step in answering this question is to remember that diversity is a broad term. Diversity can include things like your race, culture, or socioeconomic status. But it can also include where you grew up, unique childhood experiences, or challenges you may have faced. 

The key is to reflect upon your life experiences and how they have shaped you. For example, maybe you grew up in a family of self-starters, and this shaped your own desire to one day own a business. Or perhaps you were very sick as a child, and overcoming your illness taught you about patience and self-care. Whatever you choose, be sure to explain what this aspect of your life experience taught you. 

Besides your six University of Maryland supplemental essays, you will also submit a personal statement. Keep reading to learn more about what goes into your personal statement.

University of Maryland Personal Statement

In contrast to the six UMD College Park supplemental essays, your personal statement can be up to 650 words long. As such, you have much more space to express your thoughts. Your essay will respond to one of the seven Common App essay prompts.

To clarify, your University of Maryland personal statement is the same as your Common App personal statement. As such, your UMD personal statement will not be school-specific, but will instead contribute to your overall college application brand . So, think of your personal statement as a chance to write about a key part of your identity.

A well-written personal statement usually contains a story-like approach. This includes engaging elements like a hook and a story arc with a beginning, middle, and end. Many personal statements also include reflective moments where the student shares what they learned from the experience they are sharing. Read more about how to begin in this CollegeAdvisor resource on How to Start a Personal Statement.

UMD Essay Requirements – Transfer Students

If you are a transfer student, your University of Maryland supplemental essays will include a college transfer essay. What constitutes a transfer student? A transfer student is:

• Any student that has at least 12 semester or 18 quarter hours after high school graduation AND
• Is applying for admission at a new college

Your transfer application must accomplish a slightly different task of explaining to UMD why you wish to transfer schools.

Instead of a personal statement, transfer students will write a college transfer essay for their transfer application. Below is the prompt:

University of Maryland Transfer Students Essay Prompt

Please describe your past academic experiences and your reasons for wishing to enroll at umd at this point in your academic career. (300 words or less).

To effectively answer this question, transfer students must be clear about what specific aspect of studying at UMD appeals to them. Students who have been out of school for some time or have faced academic challenges should share more about those experiences in their responses. While there may be numerous reasons why you want to transfer, avoid speaking poorly of another school. Instead, focus on what makes you believe you will thrive at UMD.

Please note that your transfer application can only be submitted through the StandOut Admissions Network platform. The early action deadline for submitting a transfer application is: 

• March 1 of the spring before the fall semester in which you wish to enroll OR
• August 1 of the summer before the spring semester you wish to enroll

Next, we will explore some tips for writing your UMD supplemental essays.

Tips for approaching the UMD Supplemental Essays

Without a doubt, it can be daunting to see the six UMD essay prompts you have to respond to. After all, that’s a lot of UMD supplemental essays! Below are some tips for ensuring your responses are interesting and showcase the best version of yourself to UMD Admissions.

1. Be authentic

As always, authenticity is key. With these UMD College Park supplemental essays, the school is really trying to get to know multiple sides of you. If you try too hard to impress them, you are defeating the purpose of the UMD essay prompts. Ask friends and family to double-check your ideas and see whether they sound like you. Those who know you best can give valuable input.

2. Write first, then edit down

Some students feel frozen when they see the word count, not knowing how they can respond with only 650 characters. However, don’t worry about the length of your University of Maryland supplemental essays. Instead, write drafts that are as long as you need them to be. Then, go through your drafts and find the most critical ideas. These can be interesting details or insights that you believe are important. 

3. Avoid repetition

Since there are six UMD supplemental essays, you might be tempted to repeat topics or ideas. However, each 650-character essay is valuable real estate. Show something new about yourself in each of your UMD supplemental essays. Remember, Admissions is reading all six as a collection, not each one individually!

4. Share your why

For each of your University of Maryland supplemental essays, answer the question directly but be sure to share your why . Indeed, sharing why you chose an answer can often say as much or more about you than the answer itself. If I tell you my favorite color is blue, you’ve learned one simple fact. Now let’s say I add that my grandmother always wore blue at Sunday dinner and it reminds me of her. Now, you’ve learned that I value my family, miss my grandmother, and am nostalgic for dinners with her.

Next, we will take a deeper look at what the University of Maryland – College Park is known for. With this knowledge, you can write University of Maryland supplemental essays that demonstrate qualities that align with the school’s values.

What is the University of Maryland – College Park known for?

If you are considering applying to the University of Maryland, there is a lot you should know about the school. For one, the University of Maryland – College Park is a competitive public institution. According to U.S. News , the UMD acceptance rate is 44% and the school ranks #19 among top public universities . Similarly, Forbes ranked UMD #34 amongst its top colleges for 2023. As such, writing strong UMD supplemental essays is important to stand out against other qualified applicants. 

The University of Maryland – College Park is known for being the first campus in the UMD college system . The school is located in the suburb of College Park, Maryland. However, students also have easy access to the big cities of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. With over 30,000 undergraduates, UMD is a large campus with 12 colleges and more than 800 clubs and organizations. UMD is known for its excellent James Clark School of Engineering and Robert H. Smith School of Business, as well as its research initiatives. Lastly, UMD is known for its sustainability initiatives, with a plan in place to be carbon neutral by 2050.

As such a large school with so many resources, UMD College Park is likely to be a great fit for your studies . If you want to attend, keep reading to learn more about how to make your UMD supplemental essays stand out. 

How to make your University of Maryland Essays stand out!

If you want to beat the UMD acceptance rate, you’ll want your UMD supplemental essays to stand out from the pack. Here are a few tips for ensuring that they do:

1. Edit them well

Your UMD College Park supplemental essays are a chance to showcase who you are. But, they are also a chance to showcase your writing skills. Be sure to spend time editing for proper grammar, varied sentence structure, and clear transitions. Consider reading your essays out loud to catch errors. Also, ask a trusted advisor, like your CollegeAdvisor admissions expert or a teacher, to review your essays.

2. Include specific details

In each of your responses, include details that bring your response to life. Only having 650 characters for your UMD supplemental essays may feel limiting. But you can still include vivid imagery that helps to add some color to your essays.

3. Showcase your unique personality

As you write each of your UMD supplemental essays, make sure your voice is coming through. Avoid letting someone else edit your essays to the point where the voice no longer sounds like yours. The University of Maryland admissions officers want to know who you are, not an uncle or a friend. 

Next, we have even more places to find expert advice on how to write your University of Maryland supplemental essays.

More supplemental essay resources from CollegeAdvisor

Below are three CollegeAdvisor resources that might help you as you write your UMD College Park supplemental essays.

• 8 College Essay Topics : This resource covers the most common types of supplemental essays. Two of the types described in this article – the personal statement and the diversity essay – are ones you will have to write for your UMD College Park supplemental essays.
• How to Write Better Essays : This article provides tips for how to write essays of all kinds. From tips about your writing approach to ideas for how to choose topics, this article covers a lot of essay-writing ground. Review it before writing your University of Maryland supplemental essays.
• Common App Essay Examples : Looking for examples of strong personal statements? This article will highlight ten of them and explain why each one was successful. Understanding what makes an essay strong can help you write even stronger University of Maryland supplemental essays.

Continue browsing through CollegeAdvisor’s resources to find lots of free advice for your University of Maryland supplemental essays.

The University of Maryland Supplemental Essays – Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve read this guide on the University of Maryland supplemental essays, you should be ready to start writing. In this article, we reviewed the UMD essay prompts, both for a freshman UMD application and a transfer UMD application. We also broke down tips for writing your UMD College Park supplemental essays. 

Inevitably, the college process has a lot of unknowns, which can be stressful. However, writing good University of Maryland supplemental essays is entirely in your control. With this guidance and support from trusted advisors, you can beat the UMD acceptance rate and pursue your college dreams.

This essay guide was written by senior advisor, Courtney Ng . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Responding to the University of Maryland Essay Questions

Written by Abigail Anderson on October 19th, 2018

• essay prompts ,
• writing college essays ,
• If I could travel anywhere, I would go to...
• The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was...
• In addition to my major, my academic interests include...
• My favorite thing about last Wednesday was...
• Something you might not know about me is...
• “Applicants…will enrich and benefit from the campus learning environment and the entire student body.”
• “Our students are smart, involved, curious, and innovative.”
• “While [grades and SAT scores] are important, we also want to know about your interests and background and what makes you unique.”
• “The University educates students and advances knowledge in areas of importance to the State, the nation, and the world.”
• Think strategically about how you can reflect UMD’s own values back to them in your answers.
• Don’t be overly strategic to the point where your answers sound disingenuous or made up just for your application. UMD makes it very clear that their application review process is holistic and they are simply trying to learn more about their applicants. Your answers should sound (reasonably) like a 17-year-old.

Find out where our team of admissions decision-makers came from and why they joined College Coach.

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University of Maryland, Baltimore County | UMBC’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Honors college short response.

What are your principal areas of academic interest? What are your career goals? (25-250 words)

What are your areas of interest and involvement in and outside of school? (25-250 words)

What service and leadership experience have you engaged in through school or the community? (25-250 words)

Select-A-Prompt Essay

In reviewing applications, the Honors College places special emphasis on the written material submitted. The strength of the high school curriculum and GPA are also very important. First-year students who wish to apply to the Honors College should have a high school GPA of 3.5 or better. Please note that for Fall 2023 applicants, the Honors College is following UMBC‘s test-optional approach to admissions, to provide students the opportunity to apply with or without standardized test scores. Our admissions process is holistic, and you will not be penalized if you apply without submitting test scores.

Please select one of the following prompts to address:

The Constitution of the United States currently has 27 amendments. What should be the 28th Amendment and why?

What historical event do you wish you could witness? Please explain why you chose this event.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

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Why You Should Apply to University of Maryland

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Alexander Oddo in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch  the full livestream  for more info.

What’s Covered: 

Take advantage of on-campus resources, get access to opportunities for involvement, create personal connections.

Accessible Faculty

The University of Maryland has some phenomenal faculty – being so close to DC really attracts some of the best and brightest minds around. Faculty members include Pulitzer Prize winners, Nobel Laureates and members of National Academies. They are frequently quoted in research as experts in their field – and they definitely know what they’re talking about as they’re lecturing at UMD. 

Not only does the school prioritize having great faculty, but they ensure all of the students have access to the professors. Although the University of Maryland is a large institution with 30,000 graduate students, they still value small class sizes, with an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

About two thirds of UMD’s classes are actually 30 students or fewer, and about 40% are 20 students or fewer. While there are the larger lecture halls that you might be thinking about when it comes to college, less than 10% of classes actually have over a hundred students. And in those larger classes, all of the lectures will break down into smaller groups for you to meet with throughout the week to engage in discussion, ask questions, talk to your peers, and get to know your professor a little bit better. 

Up-to-Date Research Facilities

On campus, there are a ton of resources for our students to use. Having up-to-date learning and research facilities is paramount to student success, not just in your undergraduate career, but in preparing for post-undergraduate life. 

For example, the school has a wind tunnel that can simulate up to Category 3 hurricane wind speeds. There is also a neutral buoyancy pool that can simulate zero gravity.

Internship and Experiential Learning 

As much as being in the classroom is important, the University of Maryland also understands that not all of the best learning happens in the classroom, and education should definitely extend past it whenever relevant.

The school makes sure that its students are exposed to research and internship opportunities. UMD’s President, Darryll J. Pines, is committed to having students who are interested in doing research as the school is an R1 institution. R1 is not affiliated with any one specific program or organization but it does mean there is a high level of student research happening on campus.

Similarly, there are plenty of internships available on campus, as well as off-campus opportunities with faculty in the close and accessible Washington DC and Baltimore city areas. 

The school also encourages students to go abroad, with over 400 relevant programs. These programs range from short-term during the winter or summer, to slightly longer-term such as a semester, or even year-round, depending on what you’re looking for. There is also the Office of Community Engagement and Service, which connects students with service opportunities in the community.

Living and Learning Communities 

UMD is nationally-recognized for its Living and Learning programs, which students have access to if they apply by the early action deadline. Though it does not guarantee that you will be invited to a living and learning program, if you submit your application by the November 1st early action deadline, you’ll automatically be considered for an invitation to one of them. 

For instance, one of the communities is the Honors Program. The honors program allows students to start taking honors courses. They are able to choose one of eight different programs available to them based on their academic interests.

There is also College Park Scholars, which is one of the most innovative Living and Learning programs in the country. Scholars has 12 programs for students to choose from, relating to media and society, government and politics, and technology. There are also academically-focused ones, such as CIVICUS for students who are interested in civil engagement and BioFire, for scholars who are interested in the biological sciences, biochemistry, chemistry, and neuroscience. Although they might not be directly tied to your major of interest or field of interest, there’s definitely something for everyone there.

The faculty and students at UMD are very diverse – 47% of the undergraduate population identifies as students of color. There is also a very large Jewish presence on campus, and over 4,000 international students representing over 110 different countries. Thus, plenty of diverse perspectives come together on campus.

This ties into both outside-of-the classroom learning, and bleeds into the classroom. The school is committed to providing its students with a variety of different perspectives, many of which may differ from their own to broaden the lens through which they are tackling different questions.

Pre-Professional Advising 

Though the school does not have pre-professional majors, there is pre-professional support in the form of advising. So whether you are pre-med, pre-law, or interested in those professional programs, you’d be able to pick any major of your choice and still receive pre-professional advising on the side to make sure that you get the necessary courses in an appropriate timeline, in order to have the relevant prerequisites under your belt by the time you graduate. Not only do they help with preparing for those graduate school programs, but also with finding a graduate school to attend.

If you are struggling with choosing one or finding research and internships, UMD’s Career Center also does a very great job of connecting its students to different opportunities. One such example of this is a newsletter students can sign up for that delivers co-op opportunities on a weekly basis directly to your inbox. 

Post-Graduate Alumni Community

One of the really wonderful things about the University of Maryland is that you’ll come to campus and get into a community, meeting friends and connecting with your professors. But current students can also reach out to alumni through the Alumni Association to network with graduates. They can learn how to move forward in getting to where they want to go. Some notable and alumni include Sarah Gay, the co-founder of Google, and Kevin Plank, the founder and former CEO of Under Armour.

After graduating from UMD, you become one of nearly 400,000 Terps (the term for UMD students, crafted after the diamondback terrapin turtle) living around the world. So wherever you go, whatever you do, you will have a support network to tap into. 

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Graduate Admissions - Statement of Purpose

Statement of purpose.

The goal of this essay is to get to know you as an individual and as a potential graduate student. We encourage applicants with a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences to apply. The University of Maryland, a public institution, is committed to supporting the diversity of the graduate student body and promoting equal opportunity in higher education. This commitment to diversity furthers the educational mission to serve the increasingly diverse population and educational needs of Maryland and the nation. Both the Dean of the Graduate School and the University of Maryland affirm that diversity is critical to promoting lively intellectual exchange and the variety of ideas and perspectives essential to advancing higher education and research. Our graduate students contribute to the global pool of future scholars and academic leaders, thus high value is placed on achieving a diverse graduate student body to support the University of Maryland’s academic excellence. We invite you to include in this statement how you may contribute to the diversification of graduate education and the University of Maryland  community.

The admissions committee is interested in your academic, professional and personal background and goals.  In your essay, please address the following points as appropriate.

• Your preparation and motivation for graduate study, including the academic, work, and/or research experiences that prepare you for this graduate program (for example: coursework, employment, exhibitions, fieldwork, foreign language proficiency, independent study, internships, laboratory activities, presentations, publications, studio projects, teaching, and travel or study abroad) and motivation or passion for graduate study.
• Your research interests, disciplinary subfields, area/s of specialization, and professional objectives.
• Your fit with the graduate program at Maryland, including how your preparation, experiences, and interests match the specific resources and characteristics of the graduate program at UMD. Please identify specific faculty within your desired graduate program with whom you would like to work and how their interests match your own.
• Any educational, familial, cultural, economic, and social experiences or challenges; community service and outreach activities; residency and citizenship; first-generation college status; hurdles you have overcome; opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how your life experiences will contribute to the social, intellectual, or cultural diversity within a campus community and your chosen field; leadership and/or community-building experiences; and how you might serve educationally underrepresented and underserved segments of society with your graduate education.

Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

Acceptance Rate

Undergrad population.

• Liberal Arts (52)

* Tuition filtering is based on out-of-state fees

Agnes Scott College 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Alvernia University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide  

American university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, amherst college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, babson college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, bard college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , barnard college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, baylor university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , bennington college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, bentley university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, berry college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, bethany college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, bishop’s university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, boston college (bc) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, boston university (bu) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, bowdoin college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, brandeis university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide , brown university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, bryn mawr college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, bucknell university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, butler university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, california institute of technology (caltech) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, california lutheran university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, capitol technology university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, carleton college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, carnegie mellon university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide , catawba college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, centre college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, chapman university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, claremont mckenna college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide  , clark university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of mount saint vincent 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of william & mary 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of wooster 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, colorado college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, colorado school of mines 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, columbia university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, cornell university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, culver-stockton college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, d’youville university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, dartmouth college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, davidson college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, drexel university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, duke university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, earlham college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, elon university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, emerson college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, emory university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, flagler college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, fordham university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, george mason university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, georgetown university 2023-24 essay prompt guide, georgia state university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , georgia tech 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, gonzaga university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, harvard university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, harvey mudd college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, haverford college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, hillsdale college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , hofstra university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, illinois institute of technology 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, illinois wesleyan university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, indiana university bloomington 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, ithaca college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, johns hopkins university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, kalamazoo college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, lafayette college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, lehigh university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, lewis and clark college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, linfield university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, loyola marymount university (lmu) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide , lynn university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, macalester college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, malone university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, manchester university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, marist college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, mary baldwin university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, massachusetts institute of technology (mit) 2023-24 essay prompt guide, meredith college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, monmouth college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, moravian university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, morehouse college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, mount holyoke college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, new york university (nyu) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, north park university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, northwestern university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, occidental college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, oklahoma city university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, olin college of engineering 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, pepperdine university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, pitzer college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, pomona college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, princeton university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, providence college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, purdue university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, rensselaer polytechnic institute 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, rice university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, saint elizabeth university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, santa clara university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, sarah lawrence college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, scripps college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, seattle pacific university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, smith college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, soka university of america 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, southern methodist university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, st. john’s college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, stanford university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, stonehill college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , swarthmore college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, syracuse university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, texas a&m university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, texas christian university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, the college of idaho 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , the george washington university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, the new school 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, trinity college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, tufts university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, tulane university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of california 2023-24 essay prompt guide, university of central florida 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of chicago 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of cincinnati 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of colorado boulder 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of florida 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of georgia (uga) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of illinois urbana-champaign 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, university of maryland 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of massachusetts amherst 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of miami 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , university of michigan 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of minnesota twin cities 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of north carolina (unc) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of north carolina at charlotte 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of north carolina at greensboro 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of notre dame 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of oklahoma 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of oregon 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of pennsylvania (upenn) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of pittsburgh 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of richmond 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, university of san diego 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of san francisco 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of southern california (usc) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of texas at austin 2024-25 essay prompt guide, university of tulsa 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of vermont 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of virginia (uva) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of washington (uw) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of wisconsin-madison 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, vanderbilt university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, vassar college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, villanova university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, virginia tech 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, wake forest university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, washington and lee university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, washington university in st. louis 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, wellesley college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, williams college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, worcester polytechnic institute (wpi) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, yale university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide.

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Parents, can you please let me know information on some or all of below questions:

If parents or family is not qualified for financial aid, then is FAFSA needed? can you please let me know if you filled out a FAFSA form for Banneker Key scholarship?

Does UMD have supplemental essays? D says she could not find it on coalition app or on their website. Does UMD have any supplemental essays or honors essays?

for one of the scholarships (not Banneker Key), the website says they will consider following “academic achievement, extracurricular activities, awards, honors, and an essay.” https://admissions.umd.edu/finance/freshman-merit-scholarships

can you please let me know how to find that essay topic for this scholarship?

@learning19

It’s a;ways good to fill out the FAFSA, even if you are not qualified for financial aid, because you never know your family’s situation may change over the next several years.

UMD does require an essay. Here is a list of essay questions that I found on the following link

https://admissions.umd.edu/apply/application-faqs/essay-questions

Instructions

Please answer one of the following essay questions in your application. Make sure to include the question itself at the start of your essay. Your essay should be no more than 550 words; the question will not be included in the essay total word count. 1.Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it. 2.Describe a time when you made a meaningful contribution to others in which the greater good was your focus. Discuss the challenges and rewards of making your contribution. 3.Has there been a time when you’ve had a long-cherished or accepted belief challenged? How did you respond? How did the challenge affect your beliefs? 4.What is the hardest part of being a teenager now? What’s the best part? What advice would you give a younger sibling or friend (assuming they would listen to you)? 5.Submit an essay on a topic of your choice.

These may be last year’s questions. The questions should appear at some point when you are filling out the Coalition App. I cannot give more detail, since the Coalition App was not in use when my D applied back in 2014. UMD also had several short answer questions back then.

• As far as I know, none of the Merit Scholarships require an additional essay and none of the Special Programs (Honors, Scholars, etc.) require an additional essay.

It is Very Important to submit you application by the Priority Deadline (Nov !) to be considered for Merit Scholarships and Special Programs.

@SoofDad , Thank you for the reply.

for #2 , Those 5 essay options exactly match the coalition app essay options.

Our high school guidance counselor asked us not to work on coalition app for the time being. So do not know if there are any short answer questions or supplementary questions in the coalition app this year.

It would be very helpful if anyone who has already started or completed coalition app can confirm if there are any short answer questions.

As an aside, my daughter hated using the coalition app and it was not as user friendly as the common app. Unfortunately UMD was the only school she applied to not on the common app. She especially had trouble getting the LORs uploaded (or the teachers did) so leave yourself enough time if there are glitches.

I thought there was a supplemental essay last year but don’t remember (and my daughter is already away at school so I can’t ask her).

FWIW, we opted not to fill out the FAFSA. I ran a ton of NPC and knew we’d qualify for zero aid anywhere and many of the schools dd applied to were need aware.

There are short answer questions (160 words) for the UMD application. They are on the Coalition App. If I could travel anywhere, I would go… The most interesting fact I learned from research was… In addition to my major, my academic interests include… My favorite thing about last Wednesday was… Something you might not know about me is…

@firstwavemom ,

Thank you so much for posting the essay questions. Are these 5 essay questions mandatory or optional? how many are students required to write (is it 2 out of 5 or something like that)

are these questions for a specific major or common questions for all majors?

are there any additional questions for honors?

I apologize for asking for this information. This is mainly because the school as asked us to stop using coalition app. My kid already created an account and added colleges, but received an email from school to stop working on coalition app.

@learning19 The questions, I believe, were optional (2 years ago, they were labeled as “supplementary questions” on UMD’s own application portal). But, if you’re given the option to answer them, why wouldn’t you?

You should answer all of them. I’ve heard that the short answer questions help UMD admissions get a better sense of what kind of person you are and that can influence what programs you get into, scholarships, etc. There’s no separate or individual application/questions/etc for Honors/Scholars/FIRE/majors/any other program.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

I am not sure the reason why your school counselor asked you to stop working on coalition. My D is the freshman at UMD this year. I recall the coalition or the common apps became live starting August 1. What we did was to create an account and fill out the profile (personal info) areas, as well as look at the prompt questions before the end of summer last year. She would work on the essay offline until she was ready to copy and paste onto the coalition app. To her, it was helpful to know what the essay questions and the requirements were before working on them. If your child wants to be considered for any merit based scholarship, make sure you apply by Nov. 1. No additional essays required for merit scholarship consideration. Good luck.

I do not think they are optional. Your child should answer all of them since they are not long. I don’t think s/he needs to spend a lot of time on them. I agree with @whenyoubelieve that the answers are meant to give the AOs insight into the applicant’s personality and interests.

The MD responses are limited to 160 characters not words, not including spaces. Should be relatively painless.

You don’t have to have long, elaborate answers to all of the questions either. In my son’s year, one prompt was something like “something you didn’t expect from volunteering was” and his answer was “money” (that’s it, one word). Another was something about a day of the week, and his answer was “I got my driver’s license.” A friend told me to a prompt like “I feel empowered (or invincible?) when” her daughter’s answer was “I eat chocolate.”

Thank you all parents for answering questions. to all who asked why applying with coalition app was stalled earlier: our teachers were not able to upload recommendations using coalition app due to technical difficulties in app…they are now using naviance to send the recommendations.

Can someone let me know the following doubts:

once the coalition app shows complete status of application, should student create an UMD account or contact undergraduate admissions to see if anything is pending?

so far there is no email from UMD about portal where application decision can be checked.

Where and how does UMD announce about application decision?

DD received an email saying to check the coalition app website at a certain time to see the admission decision. It was horrible because it took over an hour to connect with the website. (I’m sure the system was overwhelmed with all the applicants checking). Then it took another hour to connect to the scholars program site where she was also accepted. She was very underwhelmed and frustrated with the coalition app in general and the communication with UMD.

I honestly don’t remember if she had portal for UMD.

PS Her recommenders also had issues uploading the LORs.

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University of Maryland supp essay

Can someone help me answer one of Marylands essay prompt. I don’t know how to start or what to say.

The prompt is, “When I think about diversity, I think of…”

Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Students Win Retirement Essay Competition

The iOme Challenge, sponsored by the TIAA Institute and the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement, encourages college students to have a voice in shaping retirement policy.  

Groups of students from John Hopkins Carey Business School and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County won the iOme Challenge last week. One team offered policy proposals on how to equitably reform Social Security and the other suggested moving the U.S. to universal individual retirement accounts from the existing employer-based retirement savings system.  

The challenge, sponsored by the TIAA Institute and the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement, is designed to raise awareness about financial security in retirement and give young people a voice in shaping retirement policy, according to TIAA.  

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Student teams across the country participate in the annual challenge, and the winning teams receive a $5,000 prize and are invited to present their ideas at a symposium with policymakers on Capitol Hill.  

The challenge involves answering the annual iOme Challenge question in essay form, in no longer than 5,000 words. Students from all academic disciplines were encouraged to participate.  

Following the symposium in Washington, D.C., students can network with policy professionals and staff from Capitol Hill and executive agencies to learn more about their work.  

The winning team’s faculty adviser also wins a $1,500 prize and is also invited to D.C.  

This year’s challenge question asked student teams to assume that Congress appointed them as a member of the “2024 Independent Commission on Retirement Security” and to develop a proposal to improve upon one or all three pillars of the nation’s retirement system: Social Security, employer-sponsored plans and personal savings. The proposal needed to include specific policies that would target the needs and challenges of specific population segments that the commission should prioritize.    

The deadline for submissions was May 12, and the essay symposium was held on June 20.   

According to TIAA, some professors have found it works well to incorporate the iOme Challenge into their course work for the second semester or offer it as an extra credit project. In past years, campus clubs have also formed teams to participate. Small teams and teams of one are accepted, as well.  

From John’s Hopkins, the winners were Xenia Afoakwah, Emmanuel Animashaun, Di Han, Deanna Portero, Roy Randen and Cira Sun. Their winning essay can be found here . From the University of Maryland, the winners were Peter Wilschke, Arvind Kuruvilla and Matthew Dyson. Their winning essay can be found here .  

You can learn more about the iOme Challenge here .  

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What Causes Trees and Shrubs to Die?

Oak trees dying due to drought

Abiotic factors that contribute to the decline of trees and shrubs

A plant problem that is  NOT  caused by a disease or insect organism is called an "abiotic" injury.  

• Tree and shrub problems, to a large degree, are not due to diseases or insects. Professionally, the causes are often referred to as abiotic (Latin word meaning “without life”) causes. Simply, we can refer to them as stress factors .
• It may take a long time for symptoms to appear or it can appear very suddenly. But, by the time it becomes obvious that a tree or shrub is dying, it is often too late to correct the problem.
• Diagnosing abiotic plant problems can be difficult. Multiple factors may be involved, including evidence of insects or disease. 
• There could be both abiotic problems and evidence of an insect or disease issue. As stressed plants are more susceptible to disease and insect infestations.  
• Determining the difference between the “symptom” and the “sign” of a problem is the first step in making a diagnosis.
• Careful site selection, proper planting, protecting trunks and roots from mechanical damage, watering during plant establishment, and during dry weather are some ways to protect plants from stress factors.
• It is important to recognize stress symptoms early to prevent further decline.
• Trees planted in natural areas and native soil have a much longer lifespan than trees planted in a typical home or commercial landscape.

Symptoms and signs

A “symptom” is an unnatural change in a plant’s appearance or growth caused by one or more factors. Example: wilting of leaves or early fall color.

• Small leaf size
• Wilted leaves
• Early fall color
• Early leaf drop
• Very slow growth
• Poor foliage color
• Scorched or leaves that appear burnt
• Sparse growth
• Branch die-back
• Large crops of fruit or nuts
• Development of suckers or water sprouts
• Combination of any of the above
• Death of the plant

A “sign” is the actual presence of organisms such as insects, mites, or mushrooms. Examples: Insect droppings on leaves; the white coating on crepe myrtle leaves caused by the powdery mildew fungus.

• Active insect infestation
• Insect feeding damage
• Evidence of insect's presence, like the remains of eggs or pupal cases
• White coating on leaves caused by powdery mildew fungus

Stress factors

Many of these issues will not kill plants but weaken them causing poor growth and potential failure to thrive. Sometimes they also predispose them to disease and insect problems.

Environmental

Air Pollution Damage

Drought and Excessive Heat Stress

Early Fall Coloration

Freeze damage

Lightning Damage

Storm Damage

Winter Damage on Landscape Plants

Physical damage.

Broken Branches and Lower Trunk Damage

Damaged Tree Roots

Embedded Wires, Nylon Cord, and Wire Baskets

Girdling Roots

Graft Failure

Herbicide Damage

Phytotoxicity Damage

Salt or Fertilizer Damage

Poor plant care and site conditions.

Excess Water Problems

Grade Change Problems

Trees and Shrubs Failing to Flower

Nutrient Deficiency

Excess Water / Poor Drainage

Problems Caused by Compacted Soil

Problems Caused by Low Light on Trees & Shrubs

Trees Planted Too Deeply

Miscellaneous.

Burls (They do not kill trees)

Evergreen Foliage Yellowing (this can be normal)

Surface Tree Roots (This can be normal root growth)

Photo: Gerald Holmes, Strawberry Center, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Bugwood.org

Tree Trunks with Wet Wood or Slime Flux

Water Sprouts or Suckers on Trees (Can be a sign of stress)

Table for diagnosing abiotic plant problems.

Related information

Why Oak Trees are Declining

How Do You Decide When to Remove a Tree?

Additional resources

Mississippi State University | Tree Health Assessment and Risk Management

Decline of Newly Planted Trees | Iowa State University

Adapted from publication HG 201 Homeowner Landscape Series: Common Cultural and Environmental Problems in Landscapes, Authors: Dave Clement, Ph.D., Principal Agent, University of Maryland Extension and Mary Kay Malinoski, Principal Agent (retired), University of Maryland Extension. And publication HG 86 Common Abiotic Plant Problems, Author: Raymond Bosmans, Professor Emeritus University of Maryland.

Edited by Jon Traunfeld, HGIC Director and University of Maryland Extension Specialist. Complied by Debra Ricigliano, HGIC.

Spring 2024

“The architect builds visible history.”

. . . The speaker is architectural scholar Vincent Scully. His famous quip is endorsed by every poet, playwright, and painter on earth whenever they set to work, because the arts are all to do with construction. And their building materials are the letters, words, ideas, images, colors, and sounds that somehow show usthe confusing and helter-skelter version of our petty-pelting lives. There’s magic in the web of it. 

But the thing is these bits must always suggest more than they say, which puts pressure on us --the audience, the readers, the viewers, the listeners-- to join up the dots. Our job is to ask the tough question: “What is this about in the deepest sense?” And then work out an answer. It’s our duty as intelligent humans to engage with and challenge appearances to uncover the actual truth. “Then let them anatomize Regan; see what beats about her heart.” We all need to take on board just what Shakespeare still wants us to see and do. 

You can spot this in just about any art gallery. Visitors head for a Van Gogh landscape, say (1889), expecting to feast on comforting nature, but instead are confused by a forest of sketchy, arthritic branches. Clearly, those trees are in pain. That’s because they were portrayed by a troubled soul confined to a hospital. What should be a bright sky is as watery and droopy as a pensioner’s runny eyes and liver-spotted hands. The tree branches are akimbo and might well have been gnashed by some afflicted and disgruntled patient. This is no pretty picture. Instead, it’s a text about man’s inhumanity to man. Say your prayers. 

It's the same with A.E. Housman’s poem, Loveliest of Trees (1896):

“Loveliest of trees, the cherry now Is hung with bloom along the bough, And stands about the woodland ride Wearing white for Eastertide.

“Now, of my threescore years and ten, Twenty will not come again, And take from seventy springs a score, It only leaves me fifty more.

“And since to look at things in bloom Fifty springs are little room, About the woodlands I will go To see the cherry hung with snow.” 

With Housman, it's no use acknowledging the trees are beautiful or even sublime, without also noticing that Nature, every spring, is also a time bomb. And it’s saying you have only a paltry 50 more chances before your death to witness the glorious bloom. And that number declines by one every April. Much obliged, AEH. 

Recently, I saw the 2022 play Andy Warhol in Iran by Brent Askari. It’s to do with a 1976 trip by the controversial pop artist and “influencer,” who had been invited to Iran by the Shahto take some polaroid snapshots to be used in royal family portraits and celebrity promo prints. But in Askari’s two-character version, Andy is instead kidnapped by a young Iranian revolutionary and given a virtual AP course on radical politics. In effect, this play is a duet between a “whatever” celebrity and a young, intense Jacobin—each learning from one another (like Huck Finn and the slave Jim). When you consider it, the play is all about demolishing barriers and boundaries; and on how investigating The Other mainly teaches us about The Self. Mind you, the text of the play utters none of what I’ve just written here. You, the audience, have to listen and learn it off your own bat. 

SO IT IS with every annual publication of the Paper Shell Review , a showcase for undergraduate scholars seeking clarity amidst the fog. 

First up for 2024 is Annabelle Law, a senior at the University of Exeter (UK), whose “Imaginary, Frivolous, and Nauseating: Feminine Domestic Space and the Boundaries of Liminality in the Early Eighteenth-century,” looks at what the Enlightenment thought of women, judging by the public and private spaces that were devised for their exclusive use.

This is followed by Ned Tagtmeier, a junior at the University of Chicago, whose paper, “Incantation as Linguistic Disruption: Magic in Postcolonial Literature,” questions the use of crazy magic in the midst of the mostly rational Enlightenment. 

Next, James Sullivan, a senior at the University of Exeter (UK), examines “Mental Illness and Literary Form in the Writings of Sylvia Plath.” He shows that Plath uses prose to write about depression in her novel The Bell Jar (1963) but uses poetry for that depression in Ariel (1965). As the man said, “The poetry is in the pity.”

In “God’s Wayward Creation: A Profile of Satan,” Ella Herr, a junior at the University of Maryland, College Park, surveys Satan’s views of good & evil and mankind. As it happens, the most powerful witness may well be Lucifer himself: “I myself am Hell.” It’s tough for Satan. The Lord God can be a real hard-liner. Who’d want to be in the dock with Him as the beak? 

In the last Paper Shell essay, Annie Sidranksy, a Senior at Yale University, uses a Modern poet to reply to a Romantic one, in “Fantasy and Reality in the Confinements of Wordsworth and Brooks.” It’s all to do with optional (a nun’s cell) versus compulsory (public housing) confinement. 

Literary study is all about discovering new truths and challenges to old assumptions, which once mattered but are suddenly beside the point. It’s always a new landscape, with us stumbling about looking for fresh, useful answers. At heart, it’s about how you relate to the art and how the elastic artreciprocates. 

I can imagine just such a debate: 

Artist/Poet/Playwright: “That’s not what I meant at all!” 

Scholar : “Dude, you never knew what you meant! That was your genius!” 

Michael Olmert Professor, English Department University of Maryland

Journal Information

Editor-in-chief, leeann wong arbelo, editorial executive & cover design, katherine mahoney, managing editor, kiersten williams, melvette melvin davis, reading group leaders.

• Ananyaa Malhotra
• Carolina Correia

Editorial Team

• Grace Marshall
• Hannah Campion
• Maxine Poe-Jensen
• Nicholas Pietrowski

Letter from the Editor-in-Chief

Our deepest thanks to...

Scott Trudell and Christina Walter, for their confidence in undergraduate student work and for ensuring that the University of Maryland is home to a thriving and welcoming literary community,

Karen Lewis, for kindly guiding our staff through the publication process each year,

Melvette Melvin Davis for her patience and encouragement, without whom this project would not have been possible,

The Center for Literary and Comparative Studies and the Department of English, for housing our publication, providing our funding, and allowing this project to have a worldwide reach,

Michael Olmert, for his continued commitment to the success of this journal and for always inspiring students with his words of wisdom,

Our editorial board, for providing their thoughtful input during the essay selection process and for diligently reading, discussing, and copy editing these papers,

Sohayl Vafai, for founding this wonderful journal over a decade ago,

Each of our contributors, for their willingness to conduct deep investigations into literary scholarship and for generously allowing us to feature their exciting ideas in this year’s edition,

And lastly, our readers, for enthusiastically engaging with literary criticism and for making the Humanities an integral component of your educational journeys.

Sincerely, 

LeeAnn Wong Arbelo 

Editor-in-Chief, 2024

Staff Biographies

LeeAnn Wong Arbelo is a second-year Banneker/Key Scholar pursuing a double degree in English and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. She is currently studying abroad in London at Queen Mary. She works as a Writing Center tutor and Ambassador for the College of Arts and Humanities. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, crocheting and spending time with friends and her cat, Dumpling. This is her second year as the Editor- in-Chief, and she is excited to continue this role next year.

Katherine Mahoney is a senior journalism and studio art double major from Olney, MD. She currently serves as an editorial intern for Girls’ Life magazine. In a few weeks after graduation, she is planning on traveling around Europe and then getting a job in broadcast news. She has been in the Paper Shell Review since sophomore year and has been a reading group leader, cover designer and now is the Editorial Executive.

Kiersten Williams is a May 2024 graduate with a B.A. in English at the University of Maryland College Park. She enjoys cooking, reading, and a really good cup of coffee. She plans to move to New York City after graduation and pursue a career in publishing.

Ananyaa Malhotra is a senior English and Communications double major, with a minor in Creative Writing. In addition to serving as a Reading Group Leader for the Paper Shell Review, Ananyaa works as a tutor at UMD's Writing Center, and she is President of UMD's chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, an international English honors society. She looks forward to her graduation this May, after which she hopes to apply her experience with the Paper Shell Review to a career in publishing!

Carolina Correia is a senior English major concentrating in Language, Writing, and Rhetoric, with a minor in Linguistics. Correia loves reading fiction, authors’ biographies, and literary criticism. Correia is passionate about language and teaching, and post- graduation goals include promoting educational equity and working in the publishing industry. Her involvement with the Paper Shell Review has been foundational for developing skills in editing and engaging with university students’ critical view of acclaimed literary pieces, and Correia looks forward to applying the valuable lessons learned from this experience after graduation from UMD.

Zachary Braunstein is a Reading Group Reader that reviewed spring submissions for the Paper Shell Review. Currently, he is a junior Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and English double-major at the University of Maryland, College Park. His future plans are to go to law school.

Grace Marshall is a freshman studying English through UMD’s College of Arts and Humanities. She holds a concentration on Creative Writing underneath her English major, as well as a minor in Professional Writing. She loves her two golden retrievers, reading, writing, crafting, and dancing. Grace hopes to find a career in writing, editing, or publishing and wishes to tie her work to mental health advocacy. She believes strongly that the catharsis born from storytelling is a useful tool for easing anxiety. Grace has been recently appointed to be the Paper Shell Review’s Managing Editor for the 24-25 school year. She is super excited to be working alongside the team for the curation of the journal.

Hannah Campion is an English major with a history minor. She is active in the poetry club and enjoys writing and playing soccer. In the future she hopes to write fantasy and sci-fci novels.

Maxine Poe-Jensen is a freshman pursuing a double major degree in English and Classics. She is part of the Honors Humanities program and loves to read and write. In her free time, she loves hanging out with her friends, reading books on her Kindle, and taking trips into DC! In the future, she hopes to go to graduate school and pursue a career in publishing.

Nicholas Pietrowski is a senior English major. He is an avid writer of songs and fiction, striving towards major publishing.

Dr. Melvette Melvin Davis serves as the Faculty Advisor for PSR. She is also a Lecturer in the Academic and Professional Writing Programs at UMD. Prior to teaching at the university, she owned a publishing company and worked as an editor and publisher for over 10 years. Dr. Davis is a Prince George's County, Maryland native and enjoys Hallmark movies, Crumbl Cookies, and smoothies. 

Spring 2024 Essays

General essays, fantasy and reality in the confinements of wordsworth and brooks.

In “Nuns fret not at their Convent’s narrow room,” William Wordsworth writes of the freedom found within voluntary confinement. He follows this line of reasoning to explain that artistic possibilities are offered within the confines of the sonnet—the form of “Nuns fret not.” Nearly 150 years later, Gwendolyn Brooks writes of a different kind of confinement, one which is imposed.

God’s Wayward Creation: A Profile of Satan

Milton’s Satan of Paradise Lost is a tortured character, wanting to experience good, but unable to escape the Hell that permeates his environment and his mind. As a living justification for the suffering and dissent of those who have fissured from Christian dogma, the base assumption within the narrative that this dogma is legitimate creates circular reasoning as to the upholding of God and the discrediting of the opinions of blasphemers.

Imaginary, Frivolous and Nauseating: Feminine Domestic Space and the Boundaries of Liminality in the Early Eighteenth-century

In Eliza Haywood’s Fantomina (1725), Richard Steele and Joseph Addison’s The Spectator (1711-1712, 1714), and Jonathan Swift’s “The Lady’s Dressing Room” (1732), all three writers present female communities and private feminine space, but play with the boundaries of the public sphere in order to convey these spaces as liminal to suit their purposes.

Incantation as Linguistic Disruption: Magic in Postcolonial Literature

The grammar turned and attacked me. Adrienne Rich, “A Valediction Forbidding Mourning”

Mental Illness and Literary Form in the Writings of Sylvia Plath

Sylvia Plath explores mental illness in her poetry collection, Ariel, and novel, The Bell Jar, though the different literary forms of each affect her representations of the nuances of depression and anxiety. Plath’s poetry style is confessional, and so, she wrote to understand her own mind, stating in a 1962 radio interview: “I don't think I could live without [writing poetry]. It's like water or bread, or something absolutely essential to me.

Articles copyright © 2024 the original authors. No part of the contents of this Web journal may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission from the author or the Academic Writing Program of the University of Maryland. The views expressed in these essays do not represent the views of the Academic Writing Program or the University of Maryland.

More From Forbes

College essays that worked and how yours can too.

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CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 08: A view of Harvard Yard on the campus of Harvard University on ... [+] July 08, 2020 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have sued the Trump administration for its decision to strip international college students of their visas if all of their courses are held online. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The college essay is a pivotal piece of the college application showcasing your individuality and differentiated outlook to admissions officers. What makes an essay truly shine? Let’s dive into the words behind three standout essays highlighted by university websites and a school newspaper's brand studio so you can get into the right mindset for crafting your own narrative.

Embracing Differences: Finding Strength In Uniqueness

Essay Excerpt: ‘Bra Shopping ’ (Harvard)

Featured by the Harvard Crimson Brand Studio , Orlee's essay recounts a student's humorous and insightful experience of bra shopping with her grandmother, weaving in her unique family dynamics and challenges at her prestigious school.

What Works:

• Humor and Honesty: The student's humor makes the essay enjoyable to read, while her honesty about her challenges adds depth.
• Self-Awareness: She demonstrates a strong sense of self-awareness, embracing her uniqueness rather than trying to fit in.
• Resilience: Her narrative highlights resilience and the ability to find strength in differences.

For Your Essay : To write an essay that embraces your uniqueness, start by identifying a quirky or challenging experience that reflects who a key insight into your experience. Think about how this experience has shaped your perspective and character. Use humor and honesty to bring your story to life, and focus on how you have embraced your differences to become stronger and more resilient.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, finding connections: humor and self-reflection.

Essay: ‘Brood X Cicadas ’ (Hamilton College)

As an example on Hamilton's admissions website, Nicholas writes about the cicadas swarming his hometown every 17 years and draws a parallel between their emergence and his own transition to college life. He uses humor and self-reflection to create a relatable and engaging narrative.

• Humor: Nicholas uses humor to make his essay entertaining and memorable. His witty comparisons between himself and cicadas add a unique twist.
• Self-Reflection: By comparing his life to the cicadas’, he reflects on his own growth and readiness for change.
• Relatability: His narrative about facing new experiences and challenges resonates with readers who have undergone similar transitions.

For Your Essay: To infuse humor and self-reflection into your essay, start by identifying an ordinary experience or object and think about how it relates to your life. Write down funny or insightful observations about this connection. Use humor to make your essay more engaging, but ensure it still conveys meaningful self-reflection. This balance can make your essay both entertaining and profound.

Persistence and Multicultural Identity: Life Lessons From Tortilla Making

Essay: ‘ Facing The Hot Griddle ’ (Johns Hopkins University)

In this essay published by Hopkins Insider, Rocio uses the process of making tortillas to explore her multicultural identity and the challenges she has faced. Her story beautifully weaves together her Guatemalan heritage and her experiences growing up in the United States.

• Metaphor and Symbolism: The process of making tortillas becomes a powerful metaphor for the student’s journey and struggles. The symbolism of the masa harina and water mixing parallels her blending of cultural identities.
• Personal Growth: The essay highlights her perseverance and adaptability, qualities that are crucial for success in college.
• Cultural Insight: She provides a rich, personal insight into her multicultural background, making her story unique and compelling.

For Your Essay: To write an essay that explores your identity through a metaphor, start by thinking about an activity or tradition that holds significant meaning for you. Consider how this activity relates to your life experiences and personal growth. Use detailed descriptions to bring the activity to life and draw connections between the process and your own journey. Reflect on the lessons you've learned and how they've shaped your identity.

A winning college essay isn’t simply about parading your best accomplishment or dramatizing your challenges. It’s not a contest for which student is the most original or entertaining. Rather, the essay is a chance for you to showcase your authenticity, passion, resilience, social awareness, and intellectual vitality . By sharing genuine stories and insights, you can create an essay that resonates with admissions committees and highlights your unique qualities.

For you to have the best possible essay, mindset is key. Here’s how to get into the zone:

• Reflect Deeply: Spend time thinking about your experiences, challenges, and passions. Journaling can help you uncover deep insights.
• Discuss and Share: Talking about your stories with friends, family, or mentors can provide new perspectives and emotional clarity.
• Immerse Yourself: Engage in activities that you are passionate about to reignite the feelings and memories associated with them.
• Draft Freely: Don’t worry about perfection on the first try. Write freely and honestly, then refine your narrative.

The secret to a standout college essay lies in its authenticity, depth, and emotional resonance. By learning from these successful examples and getting into the right mindset, you can craft an essay that not only stands out but also provides a meaningful insight into who you are. Remember, your essay is your story—make it a piece of writing that you will always be proud of.

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Watch CBS News

University of Maryland researchers are reviving historical sites through augmented reality

By Dennis Valera

Updated on: June 19, 2024 / 5:57 PM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- Some of the state's historical sites are in the process of being brought to life, with the help of University of Maryland researchers.

Through augmented reality, people can now see the historic Oakley Cabin as it was. The cabin became a home to freed African American families after Maryland's emancipation in 1864.

To celebrate Juneteenth, WJZ took a trip to the cabin to see how it all works.

The Oakley Cabin initially was built to house slaves, but after the state's emancipation, became one of the first homes for freed African Americans.

It stands as a reminder of what life was like at that time.

"Seeing a wood cabin like this is not that special, for all practical purposes. But, what makes it important, is the history of the place and the experiences of the people that lived here," said Stefan Woehlke, post-doctoral associate of historical preservation at UMD.

Woehlke is largely part of the effort to help people see what the cabin was really like: setting up eight QR codes all around the cabin.

By scanning them, people can go inside the cabin, or see how things would've been set up outside, with the help of 3D models in augmented reality.

Woehlke used terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetry to scan everything -- the cabin itself, objects inside, and the surrounding area.

There's also audio embedded, available in seven different languages.

Rachel Wilkerson, a UMD graduage student studying historic preservsation, helped in the effort.

She said this makes the cabin's history more accessible.

"The public can just come here and scan a QR code, get into the story and learn about it without having to wait," Wilkerson said. "Something liek this is a great way to reach the public and get people into history."

Woehlke agrees, especially since tours at the site are on a limited schedule. Free tours with historical interpreters are available on the second and fourth Saturdays from April to October, running from noon to 4 p.m.

"60 hours an entire year is not enough to really share the history of Oakley Cabin," Woehlke said.

With the work for Oakley Cabin done, the goal is to do with this more historical places.

"We really wanted to be able to use Oakley Cabin as sort of a testing ground to build all the foundations that need to expand and bring these technologies to other sites in the county," Woehlke said. "To share a broad range of different stories from all the different people who have lived in Montgomery County over centuries."

Aside from Montgomery County, UMD is also working with Prince George's County to bring augmented reality to historical sites.

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