Hey, I'm working on my UMD application and saw that they have a 'complete the sentence' question. Any tips or suggestions for how to approach this? Maybe some examples of what others have done to get an idea? Thanks in advance!
Hello! The "complete the sentence" question on the UMD application is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity and unique voice. When approaching this type of question, think about your interests, hobbies, and ideas that are meaningful to you, but also consider if they can connect with the college's values or mission. It's important to strike a balance between being genuine and giving the admissions officers a glimpse into your personality while keeping the response relevant to the college. Remember to keep it concise, as you have limited space to work with.
Here are a few tips and examples to help you brainstorm your response:
1. Think outside the box: Unique and unexpected answers can be more memorable. For example, completing the sentence "My favorite place on Earth is..." with something like "...inside a book, where I can explore different worlds and perspectives without ever leaving my room."
2. Share a personal experience or anecdote: This can help make your response relatable and paint a vivid picture. For example, "When I'm not studying, I love to..." can be completed with something like "...accompany my grandpa on his fishing trips, where I learn about life, patience, and the beauty of making memories."
3. Make it relevant to UMD: Show your knowledge of and enthusiasm for the university. For example, "I'm excited to attend UMD because..." might be completed with "...its diverse community offers endless opportunities to learn from my peers' experiences and collaborate on innovative projects fueled by our shared passion."
4. Be mindful of humor: Humor can be hit or miss, and what you may find funny, others might not. However, if you have a genuinely amusing response that showcases your wit or playfulness, it could be worth including. For example, "A day without..." could be completed with "...coffee is like an astronomer without a telescope – confused and in desperate need of focus."
For more help on the UMD essays click here: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-maryland-essays/
Feel free to mix and match ideas, blend your interests, and allow your voice to shine through in your response. Good luck with your UMD application!
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