"Brief Statement" + Textbox For 3000 Characters = Essay?

Applying to College
1

<p>Two of my supplements are very cryptic about whether or not they want an essay or a short response, and it is very annoying to me.</p>

<p>The first one, Oberlin, asks for a "brief statement" addressing, basically, why you want to go to their school. The 'Why College X?" question is usually an essay, but since they ask for a brief statement I'm unsure. The textbox for the response (no option to upload a document) can fit 3000 characters (800-900 words). Do you think it should be a brief statement (less than 200 words), or more of an essay (500 words)?</p>

<p>Second, Grinnell. They ask a question, not identified as an essay, which requests that you suggest a new mascot based on how you perceive the college. There is no range for the number of words they want, but the textbox allows for 500 CHARACTERS (100 words?) but they also allow you to upload a document if you choose. Short essay? Or short response that fits in the textbox?</p>

<p>Please advise. Anyone else have this problem?</p>

2

<p>I would probably make the brief statement for Oberlin a few paragraphs.
As for Grinnell, I would also make that a few paragraphs long, not an essay, but it would probably end up being a bit longer than what fits in the box.</p>