<p>I like Deerfield’s essay because there isn’t a limit on how much you’re supposed to write. Last year my essay was four pages long, ahaha.</p>
<p>For the short answer, my advice is to take up the space provided. That’s about…three short paragraphs typed, I think.</p>
<p>Take it with a grain of salt, but my advice is to get your point across using the least amount of words possible. Short and sweet. These admissions officers read A LOT of essays…</p>
<p>i thought on deerfield’s essay it didnt matter how long u write but what u say…??? perhaps sometimes it could be long and still be sweet</p>
<p>it’s not about length, it’s about content. however, you have to think about the admissions committee too. they have to read through thousands of essays and honestly, if you could just get to the point in fewer words while still making it sound good, then do so, rather than rambling on and on and on… there’s nothing wrong with a long essay.</p>
<p>In preparing kids for application essays, my son’s 7th and 8th grade teachers stressed a five paragraph essay. There was one local school to which many kids would be applying that required a four paragraph essay, but I think they were the exception. I think that if you really try, you ought to be able to answer just about any essay question that may be asked in five paragraphs and if you go too far beyond that, you probably need to have someone look at it critically.</p>
<p>I don’t understand why you should read your essay out loud backwards?</p>
<p>I have over five paragraphs typed, but they are rather short paragraphs. I decided that I will type out my essay first, and then hand write it. Good idea?</p>
<p>I think you should handwrite your essay in order for you to practice your handwriting at the same time.</p>
<p>The reason schools tell their students to write their essays in 5 paragraphs is because so many children don’t have substance in their papers, and this rule forces them to. However, if you CAN have substance in a short space, that is ideal in this setting. The admissions committee doesn’t want to read a novel, nor are they impressed with rambles and reiteration.</p>
<p>You read your essay backwards to check for typos or spelling errors. If you read it regularly, it’s easy to get caught up in the story (that you’ve read over and over) and miss such mistakes. When you read it out loud, it’s easier to tell if things flow correctly.</p>
<p>Thank you for the explanation, cc23.</p>
<p>Hm, I think I’ll just keep going the way I am right now, finish the essay, and then look at it. I can’t really condense it into 5 paragraphs, though–that would sound too rushed, I think.</p>
<p>I have barely started my essay…I just did the outlline.</p>
<p>I took a mini hiatus from my essay and apps because my parents suddenly decided that I wasn’t going to apply unless I wanted to break ties with my family :/</p>
<p>Now, they’re scheduling interviews. Sort of.</p>
<p>Anyone have ideas/suggestions for the essay topics. After reading the prompts, I’ve narrowed it down to two: my battle with an eating disorder or my old English teacher and how she’s impacted my life. I don’t want the essay to be too serious, but I want it to stand out.</p>
<p>Think twice about the eating disorder essay. It is a big problem at these schools. good luck.</p>
<p>yeah, i think an essay on an eating disorder would effect your chances a bit. I’d go with the English teacher.</p>
<p>I actually think that the eating disorder could be good if written properly, especially if it was overcome…</p>