stl2cali2k1

What's the word count for the essays?

wisteriawings

Write exactly as many words as you need to get your point across and illustrate your way of thinking/living/behaving/etc. If that means two paragraphs, great. If that means two pages, go for it.

Generally, the main essay (choosing from the four uncommon questions and fifth "make your own" option) is one to two pages. Mine was almost exactly 1000 words. It depends on how much you have to say.

The others (Why Chicago? and optional "favorite things") tend to be shorter, although they may serve as a springboard to a just-as-long exposition. Start with an idea and a way to write about it. Then write. You'll probably end up with an essay within a very wide and reasonable "range" of length. Don't sweat about it.

If you want to make a statistical analysis of the average lengths and registers of UChicago essays, check out the "post your essay" thread. You may find it challenging to find a good average--and that's one of the wonderful things about Chicago and its applicants!

stl2cali2k1

thanks! 10char

-CS

The length of mine:

Common App: 627 Words
Uncommon App: 314 Words
Why Chicago: 226 Words
Favorites: 221 Words

I was accepted.

stl2cali2k1

oh so I should write the non-mandatory one as well?

wisteriawings

You don't have to write that one. I didn't, and was accepted. Tada! Anecdotal proof that it isn't required for admission (hint: "optional" is an honest adjective in this case).

But it might help. I also didn't get a scholarship. I didn't write it because I'd put off uploading and finalizing my application until the day before or close to it, and didn't give myself time. I regretted it a little (who knows what it could have done?), but it's an essay.

If you have something important, meaningful, interesting, or personal (you're the judge of this) that (you think) will add something good to your application, then do it. Don't just write the essay because you think you should fill that space.

-CS

I personally would suggest writing it if you have something to say. They wouldn't ask it if they don't consider it important. Considering it is optional though, they probably put it at less importance then the others.

pnb2002

I also suggest writing one unless it's awful. It's good to give the admissions officers as many opportunities to get to know you.

Also my common app: 850 words
Why Chicago: 600 words
Favorites: 350 words
Uncommon App: 750 words
I was accepted