<p>Hey! I'm applying to Exeter. I just wrote a draft of my essay (Tell us about something you learned on your own) and I thought it was really good, but it's about 475 words. The website says to keep it within 200 - 400 words. What should I do? Is this a recommendation or a hard limit? Everything I've said in the essay seems necessary to convey what I'm trying to say.</p>
<p>Also, do I have to hand-write them? It says a printed copy so I dunno.</p>
<p>It’s a hard limit. </p>
<p>You do not hand write them. It is a hard limit.</p>
Thank you guys:D
My original essay was about 600 words. I had to cut a lot of it out but at least it’s at 400 now.
Hah yeah, all my essays are going to be within 10 words of the limit I’m sure. I need to write my second Exeter essay still! Ahhh!!! Going to go do that.
I have a question about the essay it self-- Does it have to a traditional essay, or can it be like a poem of sorts?
I have a feeling it’s gotta be a traditional essay - would a poem capably answer the prompt?
@flavor Well, its for the prompt that goes like describe an activity you feel passionate about and why. I felt like I can better express this in a poem form, but I wasn’t sure if I would be able to do so.
I don’t think so. You’d better stick to essay format just in case. If you’re really stuck on poems, why not email exeter’s admissions office?
And by the way everyone I successfully whittled down my essay to <400 words!
My son submitted a prose poem for the “something you learned on your own” prompt. I was pretty nervous about it, but he felt it said exactly what he wanted to say.
@booklady123 thank you! I really wanted to do it in prose, but I was worried, as I wasn’t sure if it would be considered. 
And I have this irrational fear over calling the school. 
I can’t say whether it helped his acceptance, but apparently didn’t keep him out!
Don’t ever be afraid to call the school, though. The AO who you interviewed with is an easy contact. They really don’t mind these types of questions…