Two simple, general questions. Forum

[NorCalBruin]

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?

[NorCalBruin]

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

[NorCalBruin]

........no one?

[NorCalBruin]

......really?

[stratocophic]

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

[romothesavior]

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]

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.

[Deuce]

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.

[stratocophic]

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

[aesis]

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.

[bedefan]

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]

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.