Several of Yale’s short answers were limited to 35 words, and they were answers to big questions, such as “What inspires you and why?” Princeton had some responses that called for 100 characters. It’s do-able. You just have to learn how to express things succinctly, boil ideas down to their essence, and edit ruthlessly.
What might be helpful is to take some of the longer answers to the most common topics (e.g., leadership, your role in EC activities; how you add to diversity), and create versions of varying lengths to use as raw material. My D, for example, had versions of her supplemental essays ranging from 1500 words to 100 words.
Just as an exercise, I took the now-famous “Costco essay” that originally clocked in at 654 words (for the record, the applicant went over the word count!!) and edited it down to 300-word version, a 250 word version, a 200 word version, a 134 word version, and yes, even a 120 word version that would satisfy V-Tech’s 120 word limit. The original can be easily found through a google search. Here is the 120 word version:
I survey the kingdom of Costco – the apex of consumerism – navigating the aisles, observing patrons, pondering the universe. Costco nurtures my unfettered curiosity.
I consider uses for large tubs of sour cream and contemplate the philosophical: If there exists a 33oz. jar of Nutella, do we really have free will? I consider the laws of physics as I witness the an overflowing cart gaining downhill speed before crashing into a concrete column.
My Costco-honed exploratory skills help me probe the universe. I seek the ideal cart-- filled with questions, brimming with ideas – to circumnavigate the warehouse that is the world through aerial yoga, charting radiation, or dance.
Exploring beyond the bounds of rational thought, I relish discovery.