Application question

ns614 · 10-25-2009, 10:07 AM

In the personal essay section, it says:
We prefer that you limit yourself to approximately 250-500 words (or 1-2 pages).

Does this mean that the limit is 500 words, or 2 pages?

IceFire · 10-25-2009, 10:29 AM

The limit is 500 words.

ns614 · 10-25-2009, 10:40 AM

oh damn. 28 words over -_-

kthanksbye · 10-25-2009, 10:45 AM

It's not a completely inflexible word limit.

IceFire · 10-25-2009, 11:01 AM

It's fine, I am 36 words over, no biggie. As long as it's not 50 words over you are fine.

spiritualwitch · 10-29-2009, 06:54 PM

My essay is only one page but it's a bit longer than 500 words. I feel that this length is necessary as my essay explains a lot about me and my life without going into unnecessary detail.

xShadow63 · 10-29-2009, 08:54 PM

I agree...it's so damn hard to write openly and passionately within such a small word limit.

Personally, I chose to go over the limit. Right now, my essay stands at 850 words. I simply can't explain my dedication in 500.

I do believe that if your essay flows well and the content is good (which means ALL of it is necessary to prove your point), they won't care much about the word limit, as long as it's not like 1600 words (which mine was when I finished writing the first draft - A LOT of unnecessary stuff in it).

pbr · 10-29-2009, 11:31 PM

^I believe Columbia is looking for folks who can, in fact, "explain their dedication" within the word limit (give or take a small bit). This application, and its instructions, have been refined over many years by the very folks who read the applications. In most aspects of life, ignore clear instructions at your own risk.

sunny h · 10-30-2009, 12:34 AM

pbr is right. Columbia seems to want people who show a passion for learning for knowledge sake, and who they feel will also be the right fit for the school. And, there is a fit.

Length of the essay is not as important as what it reveals about the student. But, don't go long or you will lose the reader's attention. Remember, each reader has to read hundreds of essays out of the thousands the college receives and that's tiring. My child's was two pages, but it was definitely not long and was written in 45 minutes. Perhaps that's why my child was accepted. Who knows?

Good Luck!