<p>Hi, I am writing the "Why Swarthmore?" essay and I just want to know
if 400~500 words is appropriate for length.</p>
<p>Any idea?</p>
<p>Mine is just a bit under 400 words. I think it probably needs to be long enough to get your point across, whether that's in 300 or 600 words. But that's just my view on it.</p>
<p>
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I just want to know
if 400~500 words is appropriate for length.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>My daughter's Why Swat essay was just under 500 words.</p>
<p>You want to be considerate of the admissions readers by making the essay as tight as you can make it -- plus, it will almost certainly be a better essay if you take the pruning shears to it. However, if it's an interesting read and economical in making the points, they aren't going to dock you for word count points.</p>
<p>Mine is 300 words-- but it's just right, I think.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone!</p>
<p>My Why Swat essay was around 700 words...and I've seen ones with under 100 that have worked (although they included other elements, like art). Any length is appropriate if it has you saying everything that is important to say. :] But, as people have noted, 500 words tends to be a typical length...good luck!</p>