<p>Hello All,</p>
<p>I'm a little confused with the personal statement. Is it two 500 word essays or just one?</p>
<p>Hmmm. I believe each separate box says how many words it is limited to.</p>
<p>I think it was one 500 word essay that covered both questions in the same essay box...</p>
<p>Yes I agree. It is a 500 word essay and I answered both questions in those 500 words.</p>
<p>Best of Luck!</p>
<p>Fair enough, thanks.... how am I going to do this in 500 words.. shoot.</p>
<p>You begin by doing it in a word doc. Then you edit, edit, edt. You make every word count. You eliminate all fluff. When you are satisfied (and have had a few other editing eyes look it over) you copy/paste and then submit. Unlike a high school essay, this is not one to get done just so you can say you are done!</p>
<p>Haha, yes, I agree... I believe I let mine percolate in my computer for about a month, then I sent it in. Take your time. 500 words is plenty if you know what to say. Good luck!</p>
<p>A few suggestions:</p>
<p>Write what you believe, NOT what you think they want you to say.</p>
<p>Write it yourself, do NOT let your father, mother, grandparent, teacher, sibling, etc., write it (or heavily edit it) on your behalf; it shows, trust me.</p>
<p>Just answer the questions asked; the essay is NOT a trick question.</p>
<p>There is no right answer; the wrong answer is the one someone else writes for you.</p>
<p>As with any essay you write, make sure it is well written in terms of grammar, spelling, punctuation, topic sentences, etc.; have someone look it over for those purposes. </p>
<p>Do NOT try to impress CGO by name dropping -- i.e., trying to cram into your essay all of your relatives who were admirals, went to USNA, gave money to USNA, etc.; that's NOT the purpose of the essay and isn't impressive.</p>
<p>Stay within the word limit; follow directions.</p>