"Why grinnell?" Question... Essay? Statement? Paragraph?

<p>I'm always stumpted by these. While I'm not looking to siphon your actual responses, I'm curious about the format of the question. THe Common App allows you 500 characters, but you can upload a document of any size. </p>

<p>So... what is it? I don't want to bore them with my legnthy prose-like essay, nor do I want to appear stingy with a bland "statement" type approach. What are other applicants thinking about length/format??</p>

<p>S wrote one lengthy paragraph (about 300 words) listing the main reasons that he wanted to come to Grinnell. They were features that distinguished Grinnell from the other SLACs, demonstrated that he knew specifics about the schools and the program, and that he wanted to be in a place with a small town feel.</p>

<p>I'm sure the other schools are similarly looking for evidence that you have researched the school, know what differentiates them, and clearly understand what you are signing up for by coming.</p>

<p>Thanks, M's mom. A happy medium sounds like a good idea.</p>

<p>My son did the same as M's Mom's son.</p>

<p>Hmm...My response to that was sort, on the application. However, I thought about it, after submitting it, and called them. I talked to the assistant admissions dean, Mr. Coy, and spoke to him personally about it. He seemed to respond favorably to my showing interest. I asked if I could send in a supplemental essay. He said I could email it.</p>

<p>It seems wierd that Grinnell is so flexible. How quirky. That's exactly why I'm applying. No cookie-cutter schooling for me.</p>