HELP! How do I shorten an overly long essay?

Applying to College
1

I’m applying to Stanford this fall. Stanford’s application, as you likely know, includes three short-answer questions in addition to its main essay. I believe the character limit (based on the online app) allows you to write roughly 250 words or so. Well, I’ve written one of my essays already, and I think it’s great. I don’t think it needs much more work. The problem? It’s too long…as in 280 words too long. (yikes!) Now I’m applying with the paper application (for reasons other than the essay space issue), and I can technically fit my essay in the allotted space using 8-pt. Times New Roman font – a size that is actually equivalent to the print size on the application form itself.

Clearly I have a bit of a dilemma. What should I do? I could use 8-pt. font (no smaller than the app’s writing), but it will look a little strange in comparison to the relatively large printing of my other short essays, not to mention giving a potentially middle-aged admissions officer an unwelcome reminder of the age of his/her eyes. I’ve thought about making this essay my main essay, but the subject matter I’ve chosen (studying a cadaver’s brain) would not be appropriate for my “here’s why you should accept me” pitch for the main essay. The obvious solution (cutting/editing the essay dramatically) is not out of the question, but I personally feel like the current version of my essay says everything I want to say. If anyone (specifically parents) would be willing to read over the essay for possible sections or sentences I could cut out without removing relevant content, post here or PM me, and I’ll e-mail or PM it to you.

Thanks!

2

<p>Just don't go over the limit unless you have something incredible to say - like the title of the research project that won you the Nobel Prize.</p>

<p>Other than that, they understand that 250 words is not a lot. That's why they chose it. They want you to be as concise as possible - and that means only talking about the most relevant information without all the fluff (they have thousands of applications to read), not just your writing style.</p>

<p>Look at what you wrote. Only keep what is <em>absolutely</em> essential. It's going to be hard, but you don't want to jeopardize your chance by going over the limit.</p>

3

<p>30 words is very easy to cut out. Are you the type of person who uses a lot of adjectives? There is a lot of tiny ways to cut down on words/characters. I think it'd just be strange to have 2 essays in different fonts, you know? :cool:</p>

4

<p>Umm...I was actually 280 words [i[over* the 250 word limit (for a grand total of 530 words). Now I've gone through my essay and have weeded out unnecessary adjectives, adverbs, and phrases (thanks, celebrian25), giving me a shorter (but still long!) essay of about 470 words. Anyone wanna take a look at it and tell me what to cut out? <em>please!</em></p>