length of supplement esays

[momneedsguidance]

<p>How firm is the 250 word guideline for the essays in the supplement? Will the Common App cut off after a certain word count? If not, how would an essay substantially over 250 words (but certainly less than 500) be viewed in the admissions process?</p>

[blueiguana]

<p>For the most accurate information I consult Dean J’s admission blog, Notes From Peabody. There’s a handy search feature on the top right-hand side. For context I’ll include the entire quote.</p>

<p>

Here are the prompts for the two required pieces of writing you’ll have to do for your UVa Supplement to the Common Application. Pay attention to the information about how long these should be. These aren’t term papers. You should be able to answer the questions in half a page. Part of being a good writer is being a good editor, so you really shouldn’t go too far beyond the recommended length.

</p>

<p>[Notes</a> from Peabody: The UVA Application Process: 2011-2012 essay questions](<a href=“http://uvaapplication.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-2012-essay-questions.html]Notes”>Notes from Peabody: The UVA Application Process: 2011-2012 essay questions)</p>

<p>FWIW, my son’s essay was originally at 275-280 last year. He was able to cut it down to 260 without a lot of stress and still express what he wanted to. At that point he called it a day.</p>

[momneedsguidance]

<p>Thanks, that was very helpful!</p>

[blueiguana]

<p>No worries! If you haven’t subscribed to the blog I highly recommend it. There’s a ton of information that you KNOW is accurate. You can also look back at previous years entries to see what to expect. My student knew so much ahead of time just by reading the blog. Dean J is great at calming nerves and keeping the hype in low gear. </p>

<p>Best of luck! :)</p>