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Preparing For Multiple PS Due to Varying Lengths

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 3:05 pm
by GoingForGold
I'm sure I am not the only one looking at (a) a school with a PS strict limit of two pages and (b) a school with a PS strict limit of four pages.

So, as I am starting to formulate my own PS, the question becomes:

(i) Write a two page PS with bracketed notes where we will expand so as to be able to later make it four pages

or

(ii) Write a modular four page PS whereby certain sections can be removed without affecting the flow.


Any thoughts?

Re: Preparing For Multiple PS Due to Varying Lengths

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 4:32 pm
by soj
GoingForGold wrote:I'm sure I am not the only one looking at (a) a school with a PS strict limit of two pages and (b) a school with a PS strict limit of four pages.

So, as I am starting to formulate my own PS, the question becomes:

(i) Write a two page PS with bracketed notes where we will expand so as to be able to later make it four pages

or

(ii) Write a modular four page PS whereby certain sections can be removed without affecting the flow.


Any thoughts?
Either works, but I prefer (i). Also, some schools give you a longer page limit but are perfectly happy to accept shorter statements.

Re: Preparing For Multiple PS Due to Varying Lengths

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 4:49 pm
by GoingForGold
I would think going well below the requirement (IE, roundabout 2 when it says 2-4) is very much a Red Queen sort of situation. Am I wrong there?

Re: Preparing For Multiple PS Due to Varying Lengths

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 9:51 pm
by Liquox
write a 2-2.5 page statement. from what i've read about admissions, the "-4" of the 2-4 pages is just a courtesy some schools extend to the long-winded

Re: Preparing For Multiple PS Due to Varying Lengths

Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 2:25 pm
by RSterling
Liquox wrote:write a 2-2.5 page statement. from what i've read about admissions, the "-4" of the 2-4 pages is just a courtesy some schools extend to the long-winded
Be warned though: some schools (Berkeley) do want 4 pages. FWIW, I'm going to expand on some things, but mostly use the extra 2 pages to transition into a Why X essay.

Re: Preparing For Multiple PS Due to Varying Lengths

Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 2:40 pm
by taf889
RSterling wrote:
Liquox wrote:write a 2-2.5 page statement. from what i've read about admissions, the "-4" of the 2-4 pages is just a courtesy some schools extend to the long-winded
Be warned though: some schools (Berkeley) do want 4 pages. FWIW, I'm going to expand on some things, but mostly use the extra 2 pages to transition into a Why X essay.
Do you have the language on their statement that they prefer 4 pages by any chance?