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imran626 · 2009 October 20th, 05:22 PM

Hi guys,

What do you think should be the ideal number of words in the application essay?

My guess is somewhere around 1200 words...Maybe less..

acup313 · 2009 October 20th, 07:38 PM

Yeah I am thinking you are probably going to want to get that number down quite a bit. Most of the requirements I have seen are two pages which for me came out to be about 750 words. One of my applications wouldn't except anything more than 500 words, so I would say 1200 is a bit much.

possible_phd · 2009 October 21st, 12:22 AM

I shot for 2 pages, unless otherwise directed.

alexis · 2009 October 21st, 03:48 AM

4 of my 5 applications either say about 1000 words or that's what I'm going to do. Only one program requires 500 words.

imran626 · 2009 October 22nd, 09:41 PM

A 1000 words application statement seems reasonable...

However, most application systems allow you to upload an essay document meaning they have no specific word requirement...they just have a max file size specification

alexis · 2009 October 22nd, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imran626

A 1000 words application statement seems reasonable...

However, most application systems allow you to upload an essay document meaning they have no specific word requirement...they just have a max file size specification

True. If they don't state a limit, I think you're fine with 1200 words if you feel it's all relevant.

chimerical · 2009 October 23rd, 11:14 PM

Even if you're allowed more, I'd try to avoid going too far over two single-spaced pages. Adcoms have a lot of essays to read and you don't want their eyes to glaze over.

Most people should be able to say everything they need to in around two pages, unless the school asks that you include extra information in your statement of purpose (e.g. incoporating the personal statement).

2009 October 20th, 05:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
imran626 I JUST got here. Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 21	Number of words in the application essay? Hi guys, What do you think should be the ideal number of words in the application essay? My guess is somewhere around 1200 words...Maybe less..

2009 October 21st, 12:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
possible_phd Can't believe it Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 741	I shot for 2 pages, unless otherwise directed. _ _ _ _ SIG _ _ _ _

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2009 October 20th, 07:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
acup313 Just Getting Started Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Houston Posts: 30	Yeah I am thinking you are probably going to want to get that number down quite a bit. Most of the requirements I have seen are two pages which for me came out to be about 750 words. One of my applications wouldn't except anything more than 500 words, so I would say 1200 is a bit much.

2009 October 21st, 03:48 AM	#4 (permalink)
alexis I JUST got here. Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 22	4 of my 5 applications either say about 1000 words or that's what I'm going to do. Only one program requires 500 words.

2009 October 22nd, 09:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
imran626 I JUST got here. Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 21	A 1000 words application statement seems reasonable... However, most application systems allow you to upload an essay document meaning they have no specific word requirement...they just have a max file size specification

2009 October 23rd, 11:14 PM	#7 (permalink)
chimerical Eager! Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 68	Even if you're allowed more, I'd try to avoid going too far over two single-spaced pages. Adcoms have a lot of essays to read and you don't want their eyes to glaze over. Most people should be able to say everything they need to in around two pages, unless the school asks that you include extra information in your statement of purpose (e.g. incoporating the personal statement).

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