Question: 'Why X' lengths Forum

[AntipodeanPhil]

My 'Why Virginia?' essay is only a little over half a page, double spaced. I briefly discuss three reasons why Virginia would be a good fit for me, one paragraph for each reason.

Would that look bad? How long are/were other people's 'Why Xs?' Are they mostly a full page?

[Ernert]

I actually cut mine from a full page to about 2/3rds... I can't imagine filling it up is going to be of any benefit. I'd rather my strong/well-thought out reasons be clear and not bogged down with some generic fluff for the sake of maxing the limit.

[Moomoo2u]

mine's 1 page but I visited and spoke to about 5 people and have very specific interests.

Can't you be more specific? It seems strange to me that you couldn't add 1/2 page of legitimate content.

[PS Artist]

The most important thing you can do in any essay is say what you have to say, say it well, and get out. If you've done that in those three paragraphs, you've done your job and the adcomm will appreciate that you didn't waste their time droning on with fluff obviously placed there just to make it look longer.

Best of luck with your applications!

[071816]

The most important thing you can do in any essay is say what you have to say, say it well, and get out. If you've done that in those three paragraphs, you've done your job and the adcomm will appreciate that you didn't waste their time droning on with fluff obviously placed there just to make it look longer.

Best of luck with your applications!

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