Question on Short Answer - Word Count

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>I'm planning on applying as a Transfer for Fall 2007. Transfer students don't generally get interviews so present college, GPA, SAT's, and application is more or less what is relied upon.</p>

<p>In the application there is a question, "SHORT ANSWER Please briefly elaborate on one of your activities." It requests 150 words or fewer. My problem is that the activity that I am citing is a very personal one and having counted the words I am at 250. While I can easily shorten it by doing so will clearly dimish the overall impact of the answer.</p>

<p>So, if I were to submit it as is at 250 word count, will that have a negative impact or will the reader let it pass?</p>

2

<p>It's too long.</p>

3

<p>That didn't exactly answer my question, but thank you.</p>

4

<p>Okay, try this then. Many admissions reps stop reading at 150 words if they see it's too long, which 250 words obviously is. Will your essay stand if they stop reading at that point?<br>
Cut it down or write another one.</p>

5

<p>Haha.</p>

<p>Yes, cut it down if you want to guarantee yourself a fair shot.</p>

6

<p>It will have a negative impact. Post it in the College Essays section. There are a lot of people there willing to help you cut it down. Or ask someone at your school for help.</p>