<p>I've started my application essays, and I have already reached a dilemma. When I started to write the largest, and clearly the most important essay, I found myself unable to fit all I needed to in the space given. While it says on the application that I may use another sheet of paper to continue my essay, I would have to use a whole extra page if not more.
My question is whether my lengthly essay would come off as good, bad, or just neutral. Would admissions officers be excited about my passion for the subject, or is it completely rude to expect them to read twice the amount allotted?</p>
<p>Thanks for your advice in advance! :)</p>
<p>I think that’s an excellent question. And here’s my “I’d give the same advice to my own daughter” advice: Limit yourself to about 500 words…which is about a page long, give or take.</p>
<p>Writing an longer piece, while it may show passion, may also show an inability to edit or focus. Look at the outline of your essay, and see if you are giving too many support points/examples. Maybe the scope of your essay idea is too broad…</p>
<p>rolo: At my son’s school, he has a maximum page limit in his history class that is strictly enforced. What this suggests me is that running over limits is very common with bright, motivated kids and that teachers want kids to learn to be concise and not equate bigger with better. </p>
<p>So, if essays for class serve as a guideline for essays for admission, I’d say keep it on the shorter side. If it says additional page, rather than additional pages, I’d certainly not go over one extra page (and I wouldn’t shrink the margins and font to make it all fit, either 
)</p>
<p>Your final copy should be considerably shorter than your first few drafts.</p>
<p>Pre-write…free-write…Take only the best. Cut the rest.</p>
<p>Thank you all. I’ll definitely cut my essay down a bit.</p>