‘Modern Love’ looking for college essays

The New York Times is now accepting submissions for its second “Modern Love” college essay contest for undergraduates nationwide.

Participants must be at least 18 years of age, residing in the United States and enrolled in an American college or university.  Students must submit personal essays between 1,500 and 1,700 words about the current state of love and relationships.

Four semifinalists and one grand prize winner will be selected. The winning essay will be published in the newspaper May 1 and on the website. The winner will also receive $1,000. Semifinalists might also have their essays published.

The contest is based on the New York Times “Modern Love” weekly column that publishes readers’ submissions about a variety of relationship experiences from dating to parenthood. The first college essay contest was in 2008.

The deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on March 31. For more information, visit www.nytimes.com/essaycontest.