<p>How bad is it to go over the word limit? Most prompts ask for a statement of no more than 1,000 words, but I manage to exceed this by 200.</p>
<p>I have a similar question.</p>
<p>For schools that dont specify a word limit, and only specify a page limit (e.g. 2 page), can I assume that 12pt font, Times new roman, Double Spaced, 1 inch margin is the best way to go?</p>
<p>EDIT: If so, that means only 500 words for 2 pages.</p>
<p>If an applicant exceeds the specified limits of an SoP, the applicant will look like s/he is unable or unwilling to do what every other applicant has done. </p>
<p>agc28, yes, that is an excellent assumption to make.</p>
<p>A couple questions re: letter presentation:</p>
<p>Is it better to double space or single space?</p>
<p>Should I leave the letter left justified or left/right justified (the clean, box look)?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Letter presentation? Why are you writing a letter?</p>
<p>i think, from programs im applying, a 2 page single spaced is a norm.</p>
<p>1) meet all the requirements (explicitly specified on the application)
2) maximize everything else to fit all the necessary information
3) ensure the document is easy to read</p>
<p>so im basically minimizing margins, choosing a font that's easy to read, and using font size 11, instead of 12
however conciseness is something to think of...</p>
<p>Hi Professor X. Haha, sorry for the confusion, I call the SOP "Letter of Intent".</p>
<p>I'll probably just keep the format easy to read and standard: Times, 12, 1 inch margins, and single spaced.</p>
<p>Sorry I misunderstood, randomname01! Yes, you are correct. A Letter of Intent, like a Statement of Purpose, should still be Times 12, double spaced. </p>
<p>Older folks like myself (and your admission committees!) often find that single-spaced documents are difficult to read.</p>