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Supplemental essays · 2026–27 application

St. Mary's College of Maryland supplemental essays.

All 2 essay questions St. Mary's College of Maryland asks this year, word for word, with the word limits and how to approach each one.

Checked against smcm.edu and the Common App application on October 17, 2026

What you write: One short answer, up to 200 words: answer one of two.

A day on the waterfront

Question 1 of 2 · Up to 200 words

You have a day to spend on the beach at the waterfront of St. Mary's College. How would you spend it, with whom, and why?

Pick one of the two.

How to approach it

  • Take the question seriously enough to play with it.
  • Let your answer show how you think.
  • Keep it honest under the fun.
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Making your mark

Question 2 of 2 · Up to 200 words

St. Mary’s College of Maryland prides itself on being a small and inclusive residential college where all students contribute to the campus community. This is not a place where you can be anonymous. Please share how you might make your mark and enhance our community, especially in areas outside of academics.

Pick one of the two.

How to approach it

  • Say plainly what the community is.
  • Show your place in it with one real scene.
  • End with what you’d bring to campus.
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