<p>did anyone else find it INCREDIBLY difficult to create a meaningful “Why Smith” essay in only 500 characters? I’m worried about mine, since I had to edit a lot of the specific things out… =( hopefully it doesn’t hurt me too much</p>
<p>It wasn’t difficult for me. I like to write succinctly, and I feel that what I wrote was to the point and powerful (of course, it’s my essay though:))</p>
<p>I had the same problem ohreally877. I had too many things to say and found it difficult to cut it down under 500 characters.</p>
<p>It was a little bit difficult. However, instead of writing it in a traditional essay format (I knew I would totally get carried away and go waaay over the limit if I did that, lol), I decided to implement a bullet point list. So I started out with a quick introduction followed by a bullet point list of my top three reasons for applying to Smith.</p>
<p>I think the really short character limit is there so that the admissions team can really see why you want to go to Smith. If you’re passionate, it should still show in only 500 characters. Perhaps this is what the admissions office is looking for?</p>
<p>Hmm…not sure if a bullet list is what they’re looking for…I don’t think that constitutes an essay. I think they want to know a little bit about your writing style as well as why you wish to attend. Just my two cents…anyone agree/disagree?</p>
<p>I agree with Bossf51. I knew the limit was short, wrote what I felt, keeping the limit in mind. I did go over, but not by a huge amount. </p>
<p>I feel like this essay is more expressive of why I want to go to Smith than another school’s “why” essay that’s longer. It depends though. I took two different angles because of the limits, so two different styles.</p>
<p>I also agree. My “why Smith” was a bit choppier than I would have liked, due to the character restriction, but I felt that it captured everything I wanted it to and at 499 characters, it just fit!</p>
<p>@Bossf51
Personally I don’t think you can consider, at least not technically, 100 words an essay. That’s like a paragraph, lol. It was really the 500 character limit that was killing me. I’m applying on the Common App, so it won’t even let me submit it unless I completely abide by the character limit. Seriously, I can’t even go one over. It took me forever to get it to fit. The bullet list was the only thing that worked. I expounded on each bullet point, so I think it was pretty clear as to why I’m applying to Smith. Perhaps I can get credit for the unique approach that I took?</p>
<p>It’s really hard to get a good feel about someone’s writing style in only 500 characters. (And I am saying that as a writer.) I think the other prompt that asks, “Which song describes you?” gives the college admissions office a better feel for my writing style. As does my Common App essay, of course :D</p>
<p>Happy New Year, you guys! Hope to see you all at Smith this year. :)</p>
<p>I’m two months late, but I do hope to see you all! :)</p>