<p>one of my top choices wants a “concise narrative” of a meaninful event/experience. How much of the 500 words should I actually spend telling the story? Right now it’s at two paragraphs out of four.</p>
<p>The story can be of any length, as long as it’s in 500 words or fewer. So it doesn’t really matter how long the story is. The point is, they give you a lot of leeway. It’s your decision. Keep in mind that the essay can be shorter than 500 words.</p>
<p>I’m not sure I understand - I think I worded my question oddly. I meant how much of my essay should be spent on an actual narrative of the meaningful event vs. thoughtful contemplation of the meaning behind that event? </p>
<p>…shameless bump…</p>
<p>Your story can be anything from zero to five hundred words. It is that simple. If you are looking for a safe run of the mill response, I’d say around 300-400, which would leave like one paragraph or a bit more of analysis. </p>
<p>Personally, I think a zero word story, with the rest denoted to the analysis of said story, would be kind of cool. A five hundred word story with zero apparent analysis would be equally difficult, if not harder, to pull off succesfully. Just my 2 cents.</p>
<p>excellent, that is where I am at this point, thank you! :)</p>
<p>This is a silly way to look at it. Write the most interesting 500 word essay you know how.</p>
<p>I don’t think there is any recommended length for the story and analysis. My point is: It’s your decision. Some people may just make the whole essay a narrative, some might have a short narrative and lots of personal reflection, some mix reflection into their narrative. Those are all legitimate. That’s why I can’t really answer your question, how much of your essay should be narrative, and how much of it should be contemplation. So I agree with hmom5. There’s no correct answer to your question. Your essay should sound interesting and should sound like you–that’s what’s important, not how much narrative and how much reflection.</p>