<p>I am applying EA to Chicago. My "Why Chicago?" essay is slightly over 1,000 words, longer than my other essays. However, all the issues discussed are substantive (no fluff). Should I reduce the length to avoid reader fatigue, or does UChi mind?</p>
<p>Is this the "How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to Chicago." essay? </p>
<p>If so, doesn't it say 1 or 2 paragraphs on the instructions?</p>
<p>It does say 1 or 2 paragraphs in the instructions, but I was told at the informational session on campus that there is really no word limit, which explains my confusion. I guess I should just play it safe and go with 1 or 2 paragraphs?</p>
<p>From what I have heard and what I have seen, they would not mind. Mine is ~600 and 4 paragraphs.</p>
<p>DS's is running one page. A few versions ago, it was three.</p>
<p>Wow, that's a lot of cutting down. I could easily turn my four paragraph essay into two paragraphs with two well placed transitions. I would imagine the paragraph limit isn't strict though.</p>
<p>I can't imagine they expect 1 or 2 paragraphs to cover three topics: the style of learning, the community, and the future you want. I feel like the prompt inherently asks for at least 3 paragraphs.</p>
<p>There's no word limit for any of the written pieces:</p>
<p>At the same time, do remember that the adcoms are human, after all, and would probably rather read the Ernest Hemingway version than the Charles Dickens version. Use your judgment, though-- if you can't contain your awesomeness in a few paragraphs, you can use a few more.</p>
<p>When I spoke with an Admissions counselour in person he made it seem like he wanted the essays to be concise and revealing. No more than 2 - 3 paragraphs ~400 words.</p>
<p>Mine's three paragraphs.</p>
<p>My "Why Chicago?" essay is four paragraphs, approximately 400 words. </p>
<p>Be concise and articulate -- I suspect some of your current draft can be re-incorporated into your longer essay in some form. But, realistically, if you must write 1000 words on the topic, make each word count. If it's all essential, I doubt Libby et al. will mind.</p>
<p>Mine is three long paragraphs, like 500 words. As long as you let them know how much you would like to attend Chicago, then I think you're fine.</p>
<p>I cut mine down to 550 words :-)
Thanks for all the responses.</p>