<p>Hey guys.
My Why Penn essay is 740 words, but I managed to squeeze it all onto one page.
Do you think this is okay?</p>
<p>Umm…that’s way too long I believe.</p>
<p>No. The requirement is 500 words, approx 1 page. That means, it should be around 500 words AND fit on one page (some kids want to double space, which doesn’t work either). You need to cut back…I’d say be between 500-520, MAX, and all on one page.</p>
<p>So should it be single spaced, then?</p>
<p>My essay is a solid 485 words so it’s 2 pages double spaced. Single-spaced it’s a page, but I’m afraid that it’ll be rough on the eyes if it’s single spaced.</p>
<p>What do you think I should do- singe or double space it?</p>
<p>PENN does not care if you single or double space the essays. You should stick to 550 words at a max no matter how many spaces or lines it takes.</p>
<p>You can also 1.5 space it, if that helps.</p>
<p>550 words is a good limit. Anything more than that and the essay gets boring.</p>
<p>@konradpawlak: I think I did 1.15 spacing with 12 pts. space in-between paragraphs. It fit comfortable on one page (I had roughly 516 words) with nice spacing in between. I’d recommend keeping it to 1 page as it says “approximately 500 words, 1 page”</p>
<p>Don’t worry about word limits. Mine was 720-ish and my friend’s was even longer but we both got in. Just give them a good essay.</p>
<p>agreed. if people read this…
mine was probably around 700 and it was fine 
plus if you write a really great essay i’m sure they’ll enjoy reading it instead of counting words :p</p>
<p>Yeah, don’t worry too much about the word count. Just try not to have unnecessary words/phrases/sentences and try and be as concise as possible. If you go over the limit, but each sentence really adds to the essay and gives the adcom a really good idea of what type of person you are, then it really doesn’t matter. :)</p>
<p>Just another question about essays…
Does Penn appreciate creative responses to the “Why Penn” prompt? I have a relatively straightforward essay but I formatted it differently to spice it up. Am I better off just leaving it plain? What about the optional personal essay?
I guess I’m just kinda worried that my essay won’t stand out enough… I feel like it comes off as genuine but not mind-blowing…</p>
<p>My best advice is to make everything on your application best represent who you are. If you are someone who writes plainly and candidly, I would write your essays that way (but not boring). If you are extremely creative, then write all your essays that way. Don’t mold yourself to suit the admissions game. Be yourself because that’s the person your best at being.</p>
<p>I tend to be a bit too creative sometimes. I look at things in an artistic way while other people just see it as disorganized. I guess I’d rather be safe. I’ll try to make my personal essay more creative in writing style to bring that part out then. Thank you for the advice!</p>
<p>My Why Penn was “creative” just because I felt like I touched on things most people don’t (I’m applying to Wharton, yet business wasn’t the focus per se). If you do achieve something from a creative organization, go ahead. A college essay I wrote was pretty straightforward – the failures I had in my business. Instead of going chronologically though, I was chaotic. However, I think, by doing so, I wrote an essay that wasn’t the typical “failure and what I learned from it” deal, but rather something more unique. If it helps and is genuine, do it.</p>
<p>My why penn essay pretty much only discusses two things, the art history department and performing art clubs (like dance/music). I am applying as an art history major and all my ec’s are art related, so it does make sense. is it bad that that’s all i talk about? i don’t want to seem one sided - but i guess my transcript can show that right?</p>
<p>^ As long as the essay is unique and about you, it’s fine.</p>
<p>Just saying something along the lines of “I like art, and Penn has x, y, z” is not going to make it a strong essay though, no matter how flowery you make it. You want a focused essay, and you don’t want to be talking about ten different things. In that sense, it is good that you only talk about one major topic. However, I’m sure adcoms have read that topic ad nauseum. Give it a different twist so it’s not just a overdone, cliche essay. You won’t come across as one-sided, but your essay might not be memorable or personal.</p>
<p>ugh mine is only 367 words… but mine is a creative format… all my writing tends to be that way… xD</p>
<p>mine is insanely short. like 300 words…is this bad?</p>
<p>^ Is it good? Did you say all you needed to say? I wouldn’t want you to force it, but “around 500 words” probably means you want to be around 500 words because that just shows you can follow directions. From someone who had to choose very carefully what to mention to stay under 500, I feel like you might come across as unenthusiastic.</p>
<p>I really can’t say since I didn’t read the essay though.</p>