How strict are the essay word limits?

blueiguana
Mon, 01 Oct 2012 09:40:04 +0000

If you are a 2012 applicant and haven’t subscribed to Notes from Peabody, it’s an amazing resource. You can find many of your questions answered there in previous blogs just by using the search feature. Because it’s written by Dean J you know the information is accurate.

She wrote about this when she posted the supplement essay topics back in June. Note, the bold is mine so no one misses the point.



Here are the prompts for the two required pieces of writing you’ll have to do for your UVa Supplement to the Common Application. You should be able to answer the questions in half a page. Single spacing is preferred (double spacing is so notes can be made on paper and we’re paperless). Part of being a good writer is being a good editor, so you really shouldn’t go too far beyond the recommended length.



[Notes from Peabody: The UVA Application Process: 2012-2013 UVa Application Supplement Essay Questions](Notes from Peabody: The UVA Application Process: 2012-2013 UVa Application Supplement Essay Questions)

It is worth noting that in the actual directions for writing the supplements you are instructed to “Limit your answer to a half page, or roughly 250 words.”