<p>As you probably know, the application for U of M has ten short answer questions meant to be answered in about 120 characters of less. They are fairly vague and open-ended, and I was wondering...how specific should the answers be? I am aware that it depends from person to person and that anything works as long as it stays true to a person's personality. With that in mind, if a question asks "I am unstoppable when..." and I answer with "I am balanced, competent and honest" is that too general? It is an honest answer, but for some reason when written that way it seems a bit generic. There are not exactly enough characters to give an anecdote, and I'm not even sure if that's what the answers should be. So should I still try to somehow lay out an example of when I was unstoppable, or would it be enough to just answer with a few adjectives?</p>
<p>Honestly, I don’t get that particular answer in relation to the question. How are you unstoppable when you’re balanced, etc.? </p>
<p>I loved the short answer questions because it gave my kids the opportunity to be creative and personal. I think your answer, in addition to the fact that it doesn’t answer the question, is too generic. </p>
<p>I like the idea of laying out an actual example of being unstoppable. Don’t worry about writing in complete sentences.</p>
<p>I agree with JenPam…your response didn’t make a lot of sense and was way too vague. </p>
<p>These questions are short answers because they are trying to get a sense of who you are as a person. Think of them like a conversation or an interview.</p>
<p>Don’t answer them by saying what you think they want to hear or would impress them. Be honest and answer from your gut. Think of a specific time when you were “on a roll” or got caught up in doing something. </p>
<p>FYI, I couldn’t help but notice your “name” - are you aware of the FLEXUS program at the Clark School? If not, check it out - [WIE</a> Living & Learning, WIE, Clark School of Engineering](<a href=“http://www.wie.umd.edu/undergrad/wie-community.html]WIE”>http://www.wie.umd.edu/undergrad/wie-community.html) - it’s really a terrific program.</p>
<p>I heard one admissions officer say one answer he saw once that he thought was great was…I’m unstoppable when…I am at the buffet table.
An answer that shows a sense of humour without having to say it.</p>