Hugh Jass

Ok, so Im up to the writing sample part now. I have a lot to say for all of the essays, Im wondering if I should write really really small to fit everything in? Or should i just cut stuff out?

momof1

Can't help with the academy essays, but when I had to handwrite an essay for my current job I made a couple of copies of the sheet then handwrote my response, editing until I had it the length that I wanted. I then recopied it onto the final sheet. You will probably find that it is not so much about "cutting" as about making it more concise and to the point.

Good Luck

soccer1458

Type it first, then do what momof1 did. Don't write too small, you don't want the admissions board to be annoyed because it is really hard to read what you have to say. I think they just want you to get to the point, so fill up the box but don't go overboard.

Nothemomma

Good advice. Type it so it's easier to edit and make a copy or two of the blank form to make sure it fits.

snipper_cr

Also do not be scared about the space. Sicne there are alot of instructions, the front has smaller boxes. the academy knows this. Just continue writing on unlined paper and indicate which question it is. Make sure you put a sticker on it as well.

I agree. Type it all up on a computer and make sure its gramatically/spelling correct then print it out.

Edit: Dont go overboard though. i needed the extra paper to add one or two sentences to the front ones. You dont want to make it a multi-page essay.

falconhopeful06

"Just continue writing on unlined paper and indicate which question it is."

Take this advice at your own risk. I would highly discourage using anything past the space they provide. No-where does it indicate this as an option, and it reflects on your ability to concisely state what you want in a given space.

It's a tough job cutting your essays down to size. When I first transfered mine from typed to handwriting, I realized I had almost double what could fit on two of my essays.

snipper_cr

This is true, although when i talked with my counselor at the Academy she said it is deffinately acceptable.

Just because it doesnt say anywhere that its not allowed doesnt mean its really bad. Example: Letters of recomendation. Sure there are the forms but people here have said not to send in letters of recomendation because it never says to. I asked my counselor and ALO and they strongly recommended it.

I agree that with this you need to be cautious when so much is resting on your application how ever thats why they stress "if you have questions, ask!"

andyJ

I am proud to say I fit one thousand words total in all four boxes. It was still easy to read. Took hours to write that carefully...

snipper_cr

I was on the phone with my counselor asking a few questions and double checked about the essay thing. She said it is completely acceptable to go onto another page as long as you indicate which question. She completely understood about the front boxes being smaller than the back. She also said that in writing more would it no way hamper your score (although she said the she[the counselors] would dock a few points if we wrote an "Essay"). Also that in no way would it improve your score to stay inside the box as opposed to go outside.

Just thought id offer the official word.

Also, its funny when you first start talking to your counselor and they go "Oh hi patrick!" or same thing when you call your ALO and his wife knows you by name :-P