How strict is UPenn about...

BusinessBeast15 · 10-18-2012, 06:08 PM

I am applying to Wharton ED this fall. For the "movable" supplement, it says 300-500 words. Currently, mine is about 663 words. I tried cutting it down to about 550, but the essay loses much of its humor and does not read as well.

Is 663 acceptable, or is it frowned upon?

Any help is greatly appreciated!!

drac313 · 10-18-2012, 06:58 PM

Generally speaking, an essay without a strict cutoff should not exceed more than 10% of the max allowed. So 550 words isn't that bad since it would be hard to notice or tell, but 663 words will be noticeably long .

mandypandy · 10-20-2012, 12:27 AM

keep it down to 500. gotta follow instructions. IMO.

laodicean · 10-21-2012, 01:22 PM

Mine was 740 words and I got in.

psychedelia · 10-21-2012, 09:46 PM

^I'm assuming you're talking about the 'Why Penn' prompt. This year's prompt is brand new. Their 'experimental' prompt. What they want, what they expect, what they'd like--those standards might've changed. Nobody knows, so I think it's better to play a little safer.

@BusinessBeast: fellow Wharton ED applicant here. I cut my essay down from about 1,000 to just under 500 words. It's possible. It's hard as hell, incredibly frustrating, and almost upsetting but possible. If you'd like I can review your essay and offer suggestions on where to cut/replace.

BusinessBeast15 · 11-01-2012, 04:35 PM

Thanks for the help. I will be applying any hour now!!