Hey Guys, I’m currently writing my Why UChicago Essay right now and am starting to get concerned at the word count. For reference, my Personal Statment is around 550 and my supplement about the number of lives is around 650. Based on how it’s turning out I estimate the Why UChicago Essay is going to be around 750-800 words when I’m done. I might be able to hack it down a little, but will probably still be over 700. Is it bad that my Why essay will be longer than the Supplement?
No.
The FAQ on UChicago’s website suggests 250 - 500 words for the “Why UChicago” essay.
https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/contact/faq
Good luck!!
I would edit your statement to comply with the suggested limit. If you need help, I will suggest edits.
Since you cannot PM as a new CC member with less than 15 posts, I will PM you and you can send a draft via return PM if you would like to receive my suggestions.
^ Whoa - amending comment #1. Didn’t realize (or forgot that) they made specific word count suggestions; always a good idea to follow those because they are likely to be based on what tends to make a successful essay in their view. Honestly, the most important criteria is content, but I’d take seriously the “we’re only human” hint and leave them wishing for a bit more (rather than the opposite). It’s actually harder to convey your ideas in a shorter essay, but if you are at 700-800 words you obviously have the material available. Read it through, summarize what all that detail actually suggests about the place, and make THAT your essay. Chances are it’ll be a lot stronger as a result.
My kids’ Uncommon Essays were nowhere near the “suggested” 650 words LOL. Much shorter. Just goes to show they aren’t necessarily counting words as a first criteria.
Yale Law School 250 essay is an example of adcomms seeking applicants’ ability to express themselves in a clear & concise manner.
In these situations I bring up that the Gettysburg address is 271 words.
21 fewer words & President Lincoln could have applied to Yale Law School.
“Yale Law School 250 essay is an example of adcomms seeking applicants’ ability to express themselves in a clear & concise manner.”
- Last year's Yale College essays were also reasonably short.
I remember my son’s law application to xx law school: they had a summary question with a 100 word limit. Man, he said one of the toughest things he ever wrote.
OP: a few words over the recommendation is no big deal, but hundreds will be noticed, and not in a good way. take the opportunity to show why you are a good fit for them, i.e., what you bring to campus, not the other way around.
I’ve been trying to make it up last month, but they asked me to write down an essay and a little testimonial for my friend. So, long story short, I’ve asked my good old friend, who is an [essay writer](https://rush-essays.com/), and who has written a lot of really good and genuine papers for different themes and fields of study.