<p>The essay I am doing asks for “How you will build upon your academic or extracurricular interests here”. Now considering that there is a 500 word limit, i focused on things like my interest in my major, the professors, my intesrest in research, my future career goals, etc. And I think I made my essay quite specific. However, a friend of mine say that if it says “academic or extracurricular”, they really mean “academic AND extracurricular”. What do you guys think, keep in mind my essay is 499 words.</p>
<p>I think if the question says “or” it means “or” and they are interested in seeing specific information about how your interests fit their offerings as opposed to a broad answer that hits all the bases. I would say they are looking to see that you are a really good fit for them and that you have specific knowledge of things going on at that college that are uniquely suited to your interests and talents.</p>