<p>Supplemental Essay. You know the one: "What factors have led you to consider Macalester blah blah..."</p>
<p>Thing is, Macalester has in recent weeks become one of my top choices, and I honestly feel I could spend 500, 600, 1,000 words rambling in response to that question. And Macalester specifies no range.</p>
<p>So, uh, what is the recommended range?</p>
<p>The application doesn't specify any length, just "as long or as short as necessary to accomplish the task to your satisfaction." That being said, my daughter's essay was still saved on our computer and was approximately 500 words--she gave a lot of specific details that showed her enthusiasm and "fit" for Macalester--and she was accepted ED for the class of 2011. So, be concise and don't ramble, but don't worry if it's a little on the longish side.</p>
<p>Right on, thanks!</p>
<p>If it's the same supplement essay as last year (something about describing yourself, why you'd like to attend Mac, etc.), I'm a current freshman, and mine was 815, if that helps. I know it's only anecdotal, but there must have been nothing seriously wrong with it, as I got accepted. I'd say try for at least 500, under 1000 would be good (though I'm just guessing based on applying to college last year, so don't take my word for it), though if you have enough important things to say that it's a bit longer, that'd presumably be okay as well...just, if it does turn out long, try to edit it down as much as you can--don't remove info at first, just figure out more concise ways of saying things.</p>