<p>Hi guys, on the CommonApp, Reed didn't specify how many words the essay should be. As of now mine's about 300. The other schools I'm applying to ask for about 500, so what do you think? Write more?</p>
<p>Also if anyone would like to 'reed' my 'Why Reed?' essay, just ask, I'd like to have ya opinion too.</p>
<p>And since vossron is probably hanging out here too, heya! :)</p>
<p>I'd be happy to REED it. You can pm it to me if you'd like.</p>
<p>:) Hi Fiona, and thanks, but I don't read essays. One thing I think the adcom is looking for is you; they want to get to know you. :)</p>
<p>I am also curious about the length of the essay. It is left quite vague</p>
<p>I just checked my files, and my son's "Why Reed?" essay last year was just over 800 words. A student of mine who is also at Reed this year used 710 words for her "Why Reed?" essay. </p>
<p>However, that doesn't mean that YOU have to write a long essay!</p>
<p>A good essay is NOT about length, but, rather about making a clear case, with supporting evidence, for why you believe Reed is the right school for you. The key words in that sentence are: supporting evidence. </p>
<p>A rule of thumb I tell my students to use when writing "Why this college?" essays is that if you can take the name of the college out of your essay, and substitute the name of another college, and the essay still makes perfect sense, you aren't quite there. </p>
<p>To get there, you need to provide supporting evidence that is unique to the college you're writing about in some way.</p>
<p>If you've done that, you could indeed write a good "Why this college?" essay in less than 500 words. </p>
<p>So, worry less about length, and more about content and making your case.</p>