<p>Is it okay to cram your essays into the space provided, as long as it is legible? It is really hard to write a good essay in some of the space provided, so I have had to write very small, and with words a little closer together than I normally would. What do the admissions people think about this?</p>
<p>Admission officers must read hundreds of applications. Do them a favor. Neatly write “see attachment” and provide a type version. On the attachment page put your name at the top of the page, number all pages. Type out the the question number and question text. Single space the question, double space the answer. Spell check, proof read, and have someone else proofread. Don’t use a 25Cent word when a 5 cent one will due. Convoluted grammar does not win points. Be elegant, simple and short. Try to craft your answer so that it is 5 to 10% shorter then the word limit. </p>
<p>Make sure that the application is physically clean.</p>
<p>That’s pretty much what I did, since the St. Paul’s application tells you “please only write in the space provided”. Whilst you can do the above and type it on the computer, it really looks much more authentic if you wrote it yourself. I know that the admissions officers will look at your SSAT essay as well, but believe me, any excuse can formulate from the fact that you had months to write your application essay instead of just 25 minutes in a test room.</p>
<p>If you are referring to the short answer questions…be brief! If you don’t have room, it’s too long. Edit Edit Edit</p>
<p>If it is legible, but is small writing, will this be a problem? I really like my essays, but I have trouble saying all I have to say in such a short a short space</p>
<p>Be careful about attachments - many schools specifically say - “in your own handwriting” and do NOT want the typed copies. Some also say to not be longer than the space provided. An important part of the application process is to FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS.</p>
<p>If it is a short answer question, the admission officer is not looking for an essay–they want a short answer!</p>
<p>I know its a short answer, but in a way isn’t it also another essay, just not as long? If I can fit a legible essay in the space, but I am writing a little smaller than normal, is that okay? I fill up all the space provided, with little space unusedm this will not be frowned upon correct?</p>
<p>One of my son’s applications specifically says “Be brief” I think it might even be in all caps. Short answer is not a little essay. It’s a sentence or two.</p>
<p>That’s probably true, but then theres short answer questions which are…well not really short answer questions. The St. Paul’s form gives you a paragraph length to write about your favorite EC, I’m pretty sure that’s not just one or two sentences.</p>
<p>scubasteve: If they wanted an essay, they would ask for an essay, and not call it a “short answer.” When I think “short answer,” I think a paragraph in normal-sized handwriting. Seriously, the ability to follow directions is a quality that schools are looking for. It’s not amusing to read a 12-page paper when all you asked for was one page, no matter how well-written it might be. </p>
<p>There’s an old admission saying which starts off something like, “The thicker the file…”</p>
<p>Well personally…I’m not risking writing 2 sentences on 10 lines. I organize my thoughts and then write. If I have to wrtie smaller I do. But I wouldn’t put to much detail into it.</p>
<p>At the end of the day its your decision, maybe they want to see kids that have a lot to say.</p>
<p>True it’s your decision, but they want you to FOLLOW DIRECTIONS. If the application says “complete in your own handwriting” and you write “see attached” and include a word processed essay, they will NOT be looked upon in a good light.<br>
If it’s a short answer and the instructions say “write briefly about the following” and you attach a page long answer for each of them, again…not looked upon in a good light.</p>
<p>^^ Ya definitely, what your doing is following the rules. You wrote everything you needed in the lines provided so your good. Its hard to change an answer once its been wrote, I know how you feel. You can;t just cut off stuff cause everythings so important.</p>
<p>Ahh… I just completed some essays today, and I had to redo them. I had to white it out several times because I couldn’t finish the paragraph in the space provided. I wanted to write something good, but now it just looks too long, crammed up, and messy. =[</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure if you write “in the space provided” and it’s legible it should be fine.</p>