University of Maryland, Baltimore County | UMBC
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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)
Honors College Short Response
What are your areas of interest and involvement in and outside of school? (25-250 words)
Honors College Short Response
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:
Option 1
The Constitution of the United States currently has 27 amendments. What should be the 28th Amendment and why?
Option 2
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.
Option 1
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.
Option 2
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?
Option 3
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Option 4
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?
Option 5
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Option 6
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?
Option 7
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.
