<p>The prompt states that most students respond in 2-3 double spaced pages. How long can the essay actually be? additionally how close do we need to stick to the actual prompt?</p>
<p>I have alot I want to write about. I was in the military for five years, and I want to talk about how it has changed my perspective on life and instilled discipline and maturity. However, I am already over four pages double spaced, and I have alot I still want to talk about. Should I cut out some content, or keep writing? I could probably make it four double spaced pages but I want to ensure I am not hampering my chances by writing too much. </p>
<p>Additionaly, my essay is turning into a life history. Is this acceptable? I figure my history has shaped my perspective so it should fall within in the prompts guidelines. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>I would recommend that you do a lot of editing and keep it to 3 double spaced pages. I know it seems hard. But my son’s essay was long at first, too, and he just kept cutting a few words here and there over several drafts. I told him that when he was done, I couldn’t even tell he’d eliminated any content of substance. Part of disciplined writing is being able to get your main points across in a fewer number of words. Good luck!</p>
<p>I would make the essay “as long as it needs to be”. When I was writing my essays, a few times I would end up a few hundred words over the recommended limit. However, upon my review I usually found out that certain sections were unnecessary/redundant. Some of them I liked, but I could see that they didn’t really serve the essay very well. I think you’ll find this when you finish. That being said, 4 pages is a lot. I would definitely try to trim it to under 3.5 or so. Not saying that a 4-page essay will keep you from being admitted, but it might annoy the adcoms a bit, unless it was very good. IMO: err on the side of caution.</p>
<p>Also IMO: a life history sounds a little iffy. Maybe focus on a couple of key events that you can really flesh out, or that encapsulate meaning? Biographies aren’t very interesting.</p>
<p>And finally, if I can ask: how are you writing this essay right now? What are you applying for?</p>
<p>I still recommend brevity. I have been on the other side, reviewing resumes for pastors and school principals. Even after TENS of applications, my eyes started glazing over. I really appreciated people who could answer questions clearly and briefly. The ones who used up a lot of space tended to wander all over with their thinking. It was annoying.</p>
<p>I think mine was about 700-800 words. My advice is to keep it under 1000 words.</p>
<p>Thanks for the quick comments. I ended up scrapping the essay, it was dry and too detailed. I am taking a different tack, I am going to focus on signifant events as opposed to everything. I am aiming for a length of around 2 1/2 pages</p>
<p>to answer heinochus’s question, transfer application deadline is not until march 15, so I assume the above poster is applying as a transfer student for the fall 2010 semester.</p>
<p>Thanks cb21990. Good luck with the application, bmrepete!</p>