<p>Does anyone know what the esay is for Part II of the application. I can't seem to find it on-line.</p>
<p>Here is what I found =)
[quote]
The essay offers you the opportunity to help us become better acquainted with you, your thoughts, feelings, and values. It allows you to demonstrate your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself thoughtfully and intellectually. Please choose one of the following topics and write an essay no more than 500 words in length.
You may provide your Essay in one of three formats:</p>
<ol>
<li>Type directly into the text box, not to exceed 14990 characters.</li>
<li>Cut and paste your essay into the text box from a word processing program, not to exceed 14990 characters.</li>
<li><p>Attach your essay by using the "Add Attachment" button below.</p></li>
<li><p>At the University of Maryland, we value a diverse community. How have your life experiences and background shaped you into an individual who will enrich the University of Maryland community?</p></li>
<li><p>Write a question of your own and respond to it. We encourage you to be thoughtful and creative.</p></li>
<li><p>If you could meet with any figure in time, historical or otherwise, who would it be and why? Describe your conversation. How has this person impacted you and your values?
[/quote]
</p></li>
</ol>
<p>D (now a freshman at UMD -- accepted into Gemstone), used a college essay she had written for another app. She retyped "2. Write a question of your own and respond to it.", followed by the question she was answering (i.e. the topic for her essay).</p>
<p>I wonder how much of a stickler they are on the length? I just found out my son's essay - which he submitted already - was much, much longer than 500 words. He wrote his own question & answer, too. It's a very good essay, just way too long.</p>
<p>I wouldn't worry too much if it's already submitted....it's water under the bridge at this point. But generally (and for future essays), he should stick pretty close to the lengths.....they set the limits because of the sheer volume that they have to read through---if everyone wrote 2x or 3x the length, it would be unmanageable. If it's a good essay, they'll keep reading. If it's not, they'll stop reading when they've seen enough.</p>
<p>last year it was 2-3 pages typed so i guess they got annoyed</p>
<p>Would it be a good idea to simply use option #2 and submit an essay that was written for the common app? I've thought about doing this but I'm not sure how the admissions officers would view it. Would they frown upon reusing an essay?</p>
<p>The question is answered this way, if you have to ask it than you shouldn't do it</p>
<p>PATS1237:</p>
<p>My DS chose #2 and reused his best essay from another application. I'm sure that's what a lot of kids do, and I'm sure that the schools realize this. Just make sure it's a great essay with a clear question.</p>