University of Maryland Essay Prompts 2026-27
For the 2026-27 cycle: 5 required essays.
Some prompts below are awaiting official confirmation for the 2026-27 cycle and reflect the most recent published set. They are flagged where they appear.
UMD accepts the Common App, so the personal statement is also part of your application. It counts once across all your Common App schools.
Short answers
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to…
650 characters max
One guide reports Maryland dropped these for 2026-27. Awaiting 2026-27 confirmation
The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was…
650 characters max
Awaiting 2026-27 confirmation
In addition to my major, my academic interests include…
650 characters max
Awaiting 2026-27 confirmation
Something you might not know about me is…
650 characters max
Awaiting 2026-27 confirmation
Because we know that diversity benefits the educational experience of all students, the University of Maryland values diversity in all of its many forms. This includes (but is not limited to) racial, socio-economic, gender, geographical, and sexual orientation. We are interested in hearing about your own individual life experiences. In a few sentences, will you please describe how you have learned, grown, been inspired or developed skills through one or more components of diversity.
650 characters max
Maryland also asks a sixth completion whose current wording varies by guide. Awaiting 2026-27 confirmation
Checked against official sources. Last verified August 28, 2026.
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