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University of Massachusetts Lowell | UMass Lowell’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts
Select-A-Prompt Short Response
For applicants who chose the NO TEST Option: Our admissions committee would like to offer you an opportunity to submit an additional essay that offers insights into your personal experience and background. Although an additional essay is not required, the admission committee would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about you and your potential contributions to the university. You may choose one of the following options, answers should be between 250-500 words.
Option 1
Education happens inside and outside the classroom. Describe how an activity or community you are involved in (a workplace, a community-based organization, a church group, etc.) has helped shape your character.
Option 2
Describe an instance in your academic career where you have successfully engaged with support services to make a meaningful difference in your life.
Option 3
What specific characteristics make a leader effective? Please share with us how you are a leader in your home, school, or community.
Option 4
What is it about UMass Lowell that compelled you to apply for admission and how do you see yourself being a contributing member to our campus community?
Option 5
Describe your experience, motivation, or character traits that will allow you to be a successful student at UMass Lowell.
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.
