<p>Dh and I are going over ds's Apply Texas app with him (think Common App, only Texas-specific) before he pushes the "submit" button, which we were hoping would happen today. When ds c&p'ed his essays in, we realized they were much shorter than the stated MAXIMUM of 9,600 characters. We like his essays, he likes his essays, but they are only about 3,000-3,500 characters.</p>
<p>Is that just too far short of the maximum count? Should he go back to the drawing board and pad them? Ironically, in one he says he's a man of few words! :)</p>
<p>How do his essays compare to the suggested word count guidelines for the specific colleges?
Is it possible that one of the Texas Us has a higher max than the rest, so the imit is high for that school?</p>
<p>Unless they do not meet the MINIMUM requirement, if everybody likes the essays, don’t change them.</p>
<p>There is no minimum stated, only a maximum, and it is the same for the two Texas unis to which he is applying. I think we all were basing lengths on the other essays he’s written for his Questbridge application, which had stated maximums of anywhere from 300-800 words.</p>
<p>Now, I’m second-guessing the whole approach. Do they really want navel-gazing for 120 lines? Or maybe he should have done some major research about his important topic? He already was well-versed in that area. I’m just afraid too short will make him look like a lightweight – though, if I was reading all these essays I’d be thrilled to find someone who can write a lively, pithy one!</p>
<p>I see. Yes, she was top 10%. I still believe, however, that it’s not quantity, but quality that counts here. We sat through an admissions info session at UT last year, and I remember the adcom guy emphasizing how tired he was of reading boring essays. He told the kids to find something unique and different to write about (easier said than done, I’m sure.) </p>
<p>If you feel that, in this case, it’s all about the essay, you might consider checking out the Essay discussion forum on this site. Best of luck!</p>
<p>I would not sweat it - and I think the adcoms will be delighted to read a shorter essay! UT and all the Texas pub colleges are incredibly number driven. The essay will make little, if no difference in outcome.</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone! We’ll continue to talk, but I certainly don’t feel as panicked. my 3-sons, that’s a great link. Looks like we’ll need to re-format his resume, at the very least. I don’t think there will be any button-pushing tonight, but this addtional direction is better to know now rather than later.</p>