Harvard "Optional" Essay Length

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>Does anyone know if there is a word limit to this essay? Thanks!</p>

2

<p>See: <a href=“http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2011/11/15/common-app-new-word-limit/[/url]”>http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2011/11/15/common-app-new-word-limit/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>"I think in our situation if people happen to go over 500 words, that’s fine with us,” Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid William R. Fitzsimmons ’67 told The Crimson. “And if they want to use our supplement and send almost anything they can imagine, we’re happy to read that too … It’s really not an issue for us.”</p>

3

<p>My worry is that in the supplement, I do not even see them mention 500 words</p>

4

<p>If Harvard is wiling to read more than 500 words for the common app personal statement, they are also willing to read more than 500 words for the supplement. That said, you should probably keep the supplement to one side of a page.</p>

5

<p>I have a similar question. I’m applying as a transfer student. In the common app there are only 2 questions. The first one is about an extracurricular activity experience, and the second one is under the personal essay tab, but the question ask: 2- Please provide a statement (appr. 250-500 words) that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve. Should I write my personal essay addressing this question??
I also think that 500 words is not enough to talk about myself, I need more than that express who i’m and what my goals are.
Please give some advice, some hints, Please. Thank you very much!!!</p>

6

<p>Yes, You should write your essay on that topic. Harvard wants to know why you wanna go there. What do they offer that your current school cannot. Again I would try to keep it to one side of the page.</p>

7

<p>so im new to this process and am really confused by the supplement.</p>

<p>basically to apply to harvard, we need to fully fill out the common app, and then for the supplement we are allowed to write ONE essay on a various amount of topics with NO WORD COUNT? </p>

<p>thanks to anyone who can help me clear this up</p>

8

<p>Many students are accepted to Harvard without submitting anything extra. It’s not required and you’re correct, there isn’t a word limit. Harvard’s directions are pretty clear:</p>

<p>Occasionally, students feel that college application forms do not provide a sufficient opportunity to convey important information about themselves or their accomplishments. If there is something you would like us to know, please inform us below. If you wish to include an additional essay, you may do so.</p>

<p>Possible Topics:

  • Unusual circumstances in your life
  • Travel or living experiences in other countries
  • Books that have affected you the most
  • An academic experience (course, project, paper, or research topic) that has meant the most to you
  • A list of the books you have read during the past twelve months</p>