<p>On the Vassar FAQ they say that an applicant's personal essay should be no more than 2 double-spaced pages. I assume that they're talking about the common app essay because their supplement doesn't really have a personal essay, more of a "why vassar" response. Anyway, mine is about 3 and a quarter pages double spaced...I know it's way too long, but I honestly couldn't cut it down any more...is this okay? Or should I start worrying now?</p>
<p>I’m not an admissions officer, but I would consider it quite rude if an applicant went over specifically stated guidelines. ‘No more than 2 pages’ means no more than 2 pages. Have someone go over your essay, telling him or her to specifically cross out or highlight areas they think should be eliminated or condensed. By tightening up your writing, you will probably find that your essay is stronger as a result.
If you insist on sending in an essay over a page longer than the university has asked for, don’t expect them to read it.</p>
<p>You aren’t objective: “I can’t trim it any more”. I guarantee you that it can (and should) be reduced.</p>
<p>You aren’t making any friends by going +60% over the requested LIMIT.</p>
<p>Step away from the writing, let trusted eyes have a look at it, and listen to their tips on what to remove. Good luck.</p>
<p>Going over the maximum essay size is a good way to get admissions officers annoyed before they even read it. Like others have said, it’s always possible to cut down your essay more; you just may not be able to say quite as much as you’d like.</p>
<p>It actually used to be longer…I’ve had about four individuals read it, two teachers, a friend, and a former admissions person at Brown. None of them could find anything that could be taken out! It’s kind of puzzling. :(</p>
<p>Anyway, I’ll take the precaution and send in a shorter essay I wrote as a supplement to another college, and I suppose I can weasel in this essay as a “supplementary writing piece.” Thanks.</p>
<p>My essay is three pages but the third page has literally four lines on it. Is that okay? Responses ?</p>
<p>That should be OK, assuming that there is no way to condense it. Make the line spacing 1.8 or 1.9 and no one will notice.</p>