Two simple, general questions. Forum

(Personal Statement Examples, Advice, Critique, . . . )
Post Reply
User avatar
NorCalBruin

Silver
Posts: 591
Joined: Sun Sep 19, 2010 7:58 pm

Two simple, general questions.

Post by NorCalBruin » Sun Oct 24, 2010 10:35 pm

1.) What is the max length for a "Why X" essay? 1 page double space or what?

2.) What do people feel about contractions in their essays? I feel like they aren't a big deal. Do people disagree?

User avatar
NorCalBruin

Silver
Posts: 591
Joined: Sun Sep 19, 2010 7:58 pm

Re: Two simple, general questions.

Post by NorCalBruin » Sun Oct 24, 2010 10:38 pm

And also, just generally, should "Why X" essays and addendums be double spaced? Or is it fine if they are single spaced?

User avatar
NorCalBruin

Silver
Posts: 591
Joined: Sun Sep 19, 2010 7:58 pm

Re: Two simple, general questions.

Post by NorCalBruin » Sun Oct 24, 2010 11:30 pm

........no one?

User avatar
NorCalBruin

Silver
Posts: 591
Joined: Sun Sep 19, 2010 7:58 pm

Re: Two simple, general questions.

Post by NorCalBruin » Mon Oct 25, 2010 2:08 am

......really?

User avatar
stratocophic

Gold
Posts: 2204
Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2009 6:24 pm

Re: Two simple, general questions.

Post by stratocophic » Mon Oct 25, 2010 2:11 am

Search function's at the bottom of the page, it'll answer these questions faster and with less snark than anyone on the board at this time

Want to continue reading?

Register now to search topics and post comments!

Absolutely FREE!


User avatar
romothesavior

Diamond
Posts: 14692
Joined: Fri Jun 26, 2009 4:29 pm

Re: Two simple, general questions.

Post by romothesavior » Mon Oct 25, 2010 2:12 am

NorCalBruin wrote:1.) What is the max length for a "Why X" essay? 1 page double space or what?

2.) What do people feel about contractions in their essays? I feel like they aren't a big deal. Do people disagree?
1. Whatever the school tells you. If there is no length requirement, I'd say anywhere from one to two pages is fine.

2. Depends on the essay. I wouldn't litter the paper with them, but occasionally they sound more natural and contribute to the flow.

hawaii

New
Posts: 74
Joined: Mon Oct 11, 2010 9:15 pm

Re: Two simple, general questions.

Post by hawaii » Mon Oct 25, 2010 2:12 am

I'm not sure about question one.

Even though I think contractions are fine, pretty much everyone else on TLS has commented that I need to remove contractions from my personal statement.

User avatar
Deuce

Silver
Posts: 1047
Joined: Fri Jun 25, 2010 11:12 am

Re: Two simple, general questions.

Post by Deuce » Mon Oct 25, 2010 2:13 am

1. 1 page double spaced seems to be the general rule for a why x essay where the school does not give you specific guidelines.

2. I believe the rule is not to, I didn't. But I don't know this one for sure.

User avatar
stratocophic

Gold
Posts: 2204
Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2009 6:24 pm

Re: Two simple, general questions.

Post by stratocophic » Mon Oct 25, 2010 9:39 am

What, were you people just trying to prove me wrong? I'd expect no less from romo, but this concerted helpfulness is astounding :lol:

Want to continue reading?

Register for access!

Did I mention it was FREE ?


User avatar
aesis

Bronze
Posts: 322
Joined: Fri Jul 09, 2010 9:26 pm

Re: Two simple, general questions.

Post by aesis » Mon Oct 25, 2010 3:01 pm

1 page is probably better.

I don't care what TLS says about contractions -- if the tone of your personal statement is more casual but still sophisticated, contractions work. Use your judgment.

User avatar
bedefan

Bronze
Posts: 172
Joined: Sat Apr 24, 2010 10:39 am

Re: Two simple, general questions.

Post by bedefan » Mon Oct 25, 2010 3:06 pm

aesis wrote:1 page is probably better.

I don't care what TLS says about contractions -- if the tone of your personal statement is more casual but still sophisticated, contractions work. Use your judgment.
+1 to both.

tourdeforcex

Bronze
Posts: 428
Joined: Fri Jun 11, 2010 2:19 pm

Re: Two simple, general questions.

Post by tourdeforcex » Mon Oct 25, 2010 3:56 pm

max length 2 pages. but one will be sufficient. even half a page. get to the point. don't list every reason that their website says and every reason their students and alumni tell you.

use of contractions aren't a big deal. be natural. no admissions committee is going to read your essay and see a contraction. stop. and say WHOA! STOP EVERYONE! THERE'S A CONTRACTION. JUNK THIS APPLICANT.

but also, on the other hand don't write like a third grader or be super informal.

Register now!

Resources to assist law school applicants, students & graduates.

It's still FREE!


Post Reply

Return to “Law School Personal Statements”