600 words. Too short? Forum

[Nancy_Botwin]

One of the schools I'm applying to (CU) asks that I write no more than 1,000 words. I'm tapped out at a concise 600. Should I add to it or do you think CU would be fine with a shorter PS?

(I have a concussion so please excuse my craptastic grammar today!)

[icecold3000]

Depends on how good the 600 words are.

[Leaborb192]

Depends on how good the 600 words are.

I agree. You have to realize that these poor guys have to read through God knows how many personal statements and essays and they probably grow tired of reading the same garbage over and over. People automatically assume that more is better, but sometimes less is actually better. 600 words can be sufficient if the words are good- if you prattle on in a 1000 word essay, but you don't go anywhere that's obviously less effective than having a shorter, but more polished and thought-provoking essay. I mean they'd probably much prefer a shorter essay; one that is "short and sweet and to the point." The PS obviously not only says something about you, but also demonstrates your writing skills and if it's just 1000 words of BS, they will see that and probably overlook you as a candidate. If, however, the 600 word paragraph is amazingly written, polished, and really "moves" the reader in someway they'll probably praise your work because it was something actually worth reading. My English Composition professor serves on the admissions board at my college and he's required to come in and read the essays of those students who are on the "fence"; that is, the school isn't quite sure to admit them or not. And he told us, in class, about some of the crap he's had to read in his years. One essay was about a young man who could 'double tongue'. Needless to say it was interesting. If nothing else, have people read your work before you submit it. I usually have some of my English Comp professors look over my material before I submit it, that includes my resume. But I hope if works out well for you.

[thederangedwang]

Depends on how good the 600 words are.

I agree. You have to realize that these poor guys have to read through God knows how many personal statements and essays and they probably grow tired of reading the same garbage over and over. People automatically assume that more is better, but sometimes less is actually better. 600 words can be sufficient if the words are good- if you prattle on in a 1000 word essay, but you don't go anywhere that's obviously less effective than having a shorter, but more polished and thought-provoking essay. I mean they'd probably much prefer a shorter essay; one that is "short and sweet and to the point." The PS obviously not only says something about you, but also demonstrates your writing skills and if it's just 1000 words of BS, they will see that and probably overlook you as a candidate. If, however, the 600 word paragraph is amazingly written, polished, and really "moves" the reader in someway they'll probably praise your work because it was something actually worth reading. My English Composition professor serves on the admissions board at my college and he's required to come in and read the essays of those students who are on the "fence"; that is, the school isn't quite sure to admit them or not. And he told us, in class, about some of the crap he's had to read in his years. One essay was about a young man who could 'double tongue'. Needless to say it was interesting. If nothing else, have people read your work before you submit it. I usually have some of my English Comp professors look over my material before I submit it, that includes my resume. But I hope if works out well for you.

I like how you go against your own advice

[Nancy_Botwin]

Depends on how good the 600 words are.

I agree. You have to realize that these poor guys have to read through God knows how many personal statements and essays and they probably grow tired of reading the same garbage over and over. People automatically assume that more is better, but sometimes less is actually better. 600 words can be sufficient if the words are good- if you prattle on in a 1000 word essay, but you don't go anywhere that's obviously less effective than having a shorter, but more polished and thought-provoking essay. I mean they'd probably much prefer a shorter essay; one that is "short and sweet and to the point." The PS obviously not only says something about you, but also demonstrates your writing skills and if it's just 1000 words of BS, they will see that and probably overlook you as a candidate. If, however, the 600 word paragraph is amazingly written, polished, and really "moves" the reader in someway they'll probably praise your work because it was something actually worth reading. My English Composition professor serves on the admissions board at my college and he's required to come in and read the essays of those students who are on the "fence"; that is, the school isn't quite sure to admit them or not. And he told us, in class, about some of the crap he's had to read in his years. One essay was about a young man who could 'double tongue'. Needless to say it was interesting. If nothing else, have people read your work before you submit it. I usually have some of my English Comp professors look over my material before I submit it, that includes my resume. But I hope if works out well for you.

Thank you so much! I feel like my 600 words are strong and effective (they better be because I just sent out three apps last night). The prompt specifically asks why I want to go to law school which my PS discusses, but maybe not enough. Adding more than 100ish words would throw off the flow of my PS making it sound forced. I really appreciate the feedback! My sister is a print journalist and she's read what I've submitted so I feel good about my PS and supplemental statements. I'm just so sick of analyzing every single sentence I write. I'm definitely more comfortable with business/technical writing. Blegh!


and p.s. about the PS -- I think asking people why they want to go to law school after jumping through all of the hoops (transcripts, LORs, LSAT hell, etc.) is irritating. But that's just me being cranky and sick of writing about myself.

[Leaborb192]

Depends on how good the 600 words are.

I agree. You have to realize that these poor guys have to read through God knows how many personal statements and essays and they probably grow tired of reading the same garbage over and over. People automatically assume that more is better, but sometimes less is actually better. 600 words can be sufficient if the words are good- if you prattle on in a 1000 word essay, but you don't go anywhere that's obviously less effective than having a shorter, but more polished and thought-provoking essay. I mean they'd probably much prefer a shorter essay; one that is "short and sweet and to the point." The PS obviously not only says something about you, but also demonstrates your writing skills and if it's just 1000 words of BS, they will see that and probably overlook you as a candidate. If, however, the 600 word paragraph is amazingly written, polished, and really "moves" the reader in someway they'll probably praise your work because it was something actually worth reading. My English Composition professor serves on the admissions board at my college and he's required to come in and read the essays of those students who are on the "fence"; that is, the school isn't quite sure to admit them or not. And he told us, in class, about some of the crap he's had to read in his years. One essay was about a young man who could 'double tongue'. Needless to say it was interesting. If nothing else, have people read your work before you submit it. I usually have some of my English Comp professors look over my material before I submit it, that includes my resume. But I hope if works out well for you.

I like how you go against your own advice

Yeah yeah yeah, I could have said it succinctly, but I'm just a little preoccupied right now: I have car damages I need to figure out how I'm going to pay for. Wasn't ready for that bill.

[Nancy_Botwin]

Depends on how good the 600 words are.

I agree. You have to realize that these poor guys have to read through God knows how many personal statements and essays and they probably grow tired of reading the same garbage over and over. People automatically assume that more is better, but sometimes less is actually better. 600 words can be sufficient if the words are good- if you prattle on in a 1000 word essay, but you don't go anywhere that's obviously less effective than having a shorter, but more polished and thought-provoking essay. I mean they'd probably much prefer a shorter essay; one that is "short and sweet and to the point." The PS obviously not only says something about you, but also demonstrates your writing skills and if it's just 1000 words of BS, they will see that and probably overlook you as a candidate. If, however, the 600 word paragraph is amazingly written, polished, and really "moves" the reader in someway they'll probably praise your work because it was something actually worth reading. My English Composition professor serves on the admissions board at my college and he's required to come in and read the essays of those students who are on the "fence"; that is, the school isn't quite sure to admit them or not. And he told us, in class, about some of the crap he's had to read in his years. One essay was about a young man who could 'double tongue'. Needless to say it was interesting. If nothing else, have people read your work before you submit it. I usually have some of my English Comp professors look over my material before I submit it, that includes my resume. But I hope if works out well for you.

I like how you go against your own advice

Yeah yeah yeah, I could have said it succinctly, but I'm just a little preoccupied right now: I have car damages I need to figure out how I'm going to pay for. Wasn't ready for that bill.

I feel your pain. I just got a $1k estimate for my Jeep plus I'm nursing a concussion. It's totally not my week.

[Leaborb192]

Mine is 'estimated' at $800-1000. I smashed the head light and the fender, but the head light still works as well as the car; it still runs without problems. Though the mechanic is like, "Well you did this, that, and the other thing." So naturally my heart sank as I will have the money soon, but I'd rather not spend it. I absolutely hate going to a garage. It's usually nothing but bad news!


Here's a picture just for shits and giggles: --ImageRemoved-- (LinkRemoved)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[Leaborb192]

Depends on how good the 600 words are.

I agree. You have to realize that these poor guys have to read through God knows how many personal statements and essays and they probably grow tired of reading the same garbage over and over. People automatically assume that more is better, but sometimes less is actually better. 600 words can be sufficient if the words are good- if you prattle on in a 1000 word essay, but you don't go anywhere that's obviously less effective than having a shorter, but more polished and thought-provoking essay. I mean they'd probably much prefer a shorter essay; one that is "short and sweet and to the point." The PS obviously not only says something about you, but also demonstrates your writing skills and if it's just 1000 words of BS, they will see that and probably overlook you as a candidate. If, however, the 600 word paragraph is amazingly written, polished, and really "moves" the reader in someway they'll probably praise your work because it was something actually worth reading. My English Composition professor serves on the admissions board at my college and he's required to come in and read the essays of those students who are on the "fence"; that is, the school isn't quite sure to admit them or not. And he told us, in class, about some of the crap he's had to read in his years. One essay was about a young man who could 'double tongue'. Needless to say it was interesting. If nothing else, have people read your work before you submit it. I usually have some of my English Comp professors look over my material before I submit it, that includes my resume. But I hope if works out well for you.

Thank you so much! I feel like my 600 words are strong and effective (they better be because I just sent out three apps last night). The prompt specifically asks why I want to go to law school which my PS discusses, but maybe not enough. Adding more than 100ish words would throw off the flow of my PS making it sound forced. I really appreciate the feedback! My sister is a print journalist and she's read what I've submitted so I feel good about my PS and supplemental statements. I'm just so sick of analyzing every single sentence I write. I'm definitely more comfortable with business/technical writing. Blegh!


and p.s. about the PS -- I think asking people why they want to go to law school after jumping through all of the hoops (transcripts, LORs, LSAT hell, etc.) is irritating. But that's just me being cranky and sick of writing about myself.

If they ask me why I want to go to law school, I'll tell them: Judge Judy. She's my idol!

[Nancy_Botwin]

Mine is 'estimated' at $800-1000. I smashed the head light and the fender, but the head light still works as well as the car; it still runs without problems. Though the mechanic is like, "Well you did this, that, and the other thing." So naturally my heart sank as I will have the money soon, but I'd rather not spend it. I absolutely hate going to a garage. It's usually nothing but bad news!


Here's a picture just for shits and giggles: --ImageRemoved-- (LinkRemoved)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Oomf. Major suck. I'm a girl so I feel helpless when it comes to getting the real story from a mechanic. I would take your quote to other mechanics or even look for parts online to save on costs. Plus they could be BSing you about the other stuff. I had a mechanic give me a quote for ridiculous stuff so I took it to another mechanic not telling them what the other guys found. Half the stuff on the list wasn't even mentioned by the 2nd guy. Never be afraid to get a second opinion!

Maybe I should say that I want to be a lawyer to be a consumer advocate lolz

[Nancy_Botwin]

Depends on how good the 600 words are.

I agree. You have to realize that these poor guys have to read through God knows how many personal statements and essays and they probably grow tired of reading the same garbage over and over. People automatically assume that more is better, but sometimes less is actually better. 600 words can be sufficient if the words are good- if you prattle on in a 1000 word essay, but you don't go anywhere that's obviously less effective than having a shorter, but more polished and thought-provoking essay. I mean they'd probably much prefer a shorter essay; one that is "short and sweet and to the point." The PS obviously not only says something about you, but also demonstrates your writing skills and if it's just 1000 words of BS, they will see that and probably overlook you as a candidate. If, however, the 600 word paragraph is amazingly written, polished, and really "moves" the reader in someway they'll probably praise your work because it was something actually worth reading. My English Composition professor serves on the admissions board at my college and he's required to come in and read the essays of those students who are on the "fence"; that is, the school isn't quite sure to admit them or not. And he told us, in class, about some of the crap he's had to read in his years. One essay was about a young man who could 'double tongue'. Needless to say it was interesting. If nothing else, have people read your work before you submit it. I usually have some of my English Comp professors look over my material before I submit it, that includes my resume. But I hope if works out well for you.

Thank you so much! I feel like my 600 words are strong and effective (they better be because I just sent out three apps last night). The prompt specifically asks why I want to go to law school which my PS discusses, but maybe not enough. Adding more than 100ish words would throw off the flow of my PS making it sound forced. I really appreciate the feedback! My sister is a print journalist and she's read what I've submitted so I feel good about my PS and supplemental statements. I'm just so sick of analyzing every single sentence I write. I'm definitely more comfortable with business/technical writing. Blegh!


and p.s. about the PS -- I think asking people why they want to go to law school after jumping through all of the hoops (transcripts, LORs, LSAT hell, etc.) is irritating. But that's just me being cranky and sick of writing about myself.

If they ask me why I want to go to law school, I'll tell them: Judge Judy. She's my idol!

Yes! I'm going to say that I want to go to law school because Kim Kardashian's dad did and he made a lot of money after the OJ trial! Yale and Harvard will hear about my PS and will beg ME to go to school there tee hee!

[Leaborb192]

Yes! I'm going to say that I want to go to law school because Kim Kardashian's dad did and he made a lot of money after the OJ trial! Yale and Harvard will hear about my PS and will beg ME to go to school there tee hee!

What about Jose Baez? He did a cracker jack of a job.

[Leaborb192]

Oomf. Major suck. I'm a girl so I feel helpless when it comes to getting the real story from a mechanic. I would take your quote to other mechanics or even look for parts online to save on costs. Plus they could be BSing you about the other stuff. I had a mechanic give me a quote for ridiculous stuff so I took it to another mechanic not telling them what the other guys found. Half the stuff on the list wasn't even mentioned by the 2nd guy. Never be afraid to get a second opinion!

Maybe I should say that I want to be a lawyer to be a consumer advocate lolz

I don't know anything about cars either, but it's good to have someone in my life who does. My mom's boyfriend called up the garage and discussed it with him and apparently he is just trying to screw me over for my money. He found a guy who is only 10 miles away that will fix it up for $100.00.

[Nancy_Botwin]

Oomf. Major suck. I'm a girl so I feel helpless when it comes to getting the real story from a mechanic. I would take your quote to other mechanics or even look for parts online to save on costs. Plus they could be BSing you about the other stuff. I had a mechanic give me a quote for ridiculous stuff so I took it to another mechanic not telling them what the other guys found. Half the stuff on the list wasn't even mentioned by the 2nd guy. Never be afraid to get a second opinion!

Maybe I should say that I want to be a lawyer to be a consumer advocate lolz

I don't know anything about cars either, but it's good to have someone in my life who does. My mom's boyfriend called up the garage and discussed it with him and apparently he is just trying to screw me over for my money. He found a guy who is only 10 miles away that will fix it up for $100.00.

YAY! I usually have my dad or sister's bff talk me through car stuff before handing over my credit card. Mechanics can be such scam artists. It makes me feel bad for honest mechanics out there I'm beginning to think they're a myth...

[Nancy_Botwin]

Yes! I'm going to say that I want to go to law school because Kim Kardashian's dad did and he made a lot of money after the OJ trial! Yale and Harvard will hear about my PS and will beg ME to go to school there tee hee!

What about Jose Baez? He did a cracker jack of a job.

OH! I want to be nancy grace! Or Judge Mabeline!

[Leaborb192]

Oomf. Major suck. I'm a girl so I feel helpless when it comes to getting the real story from a mechanic. I would take your quote to other mechanics or even look for parts online to save on costs. Plus they could be BSing you about the other stuff. I had a mechanic give me a quote for ridiculous stuff so I took it to another mechanic not telling them what the other guys found. Half the stuff on the list wasn't even mentioned by the 2nd guy. Never be afraid to get a second opinion!

Maybe I should say that I want to be a lawyer to be a consumer advocate lolz

I don't know anything about cars either, but it's good to have someone in my life who does. My mom's boyfriend called up the garage and discussed it with him and apparently he is just trying to screw me over for my money. He found a guy who is only 10 miles away that will fix it up for $100.00.

YAY! I usually have my dad or sister's bff talk me through car stuff before handing over my credit card. Mechanics can be such scam artists. It makes me feel bad for honest mechanics out there I'm beginning to think they're a myth...

The thing is though: I thought I could trust this mechanic because I built up a bit of a rapport with him. When I lost my first car I bought the current car from him and when I needed repairs I took it to Monroe Mufflers who wanted $$$ so I brought it to him and he charged me $. So I thought, "Oh hey- this guy is pretty good." So naturally when this happened I brought it to him thinking it was all fine and dandy then he throws this $800-1000 nonsense at me and I was like, "WHAT?" I was a little skeptical because when I got into the accident I had my mom's boyfriend look at it and he said that it just needed a new headlight, fender, and the hood needed to be straightened out- all possible for less than $200. They found me a used fender and headlight and when I told him how much he wanted he couldn't believe it so he called him up and apparently I was "taken for a ride." So he called around and I just have to bring it to the next town over and it will only cost $100. It really does feel like mechanics are scam artists and crooks who prey on people who are ignorant about vehicles. Maybe, in addition to law school, I should take automotive classes on the side?

[Leaborb192]

Yes! I'm going to say that I want to go to law school because Kim Kardashian's dad did and he made a lot of money after the OJ trial! Yale and Harvard will hear about my PS and will beg ME to go to school there tee hee!

What about Jose Baez? He did a cracker jack of a job.

OH! I want to be Nancy Grace! Or Judge Mabeline!

Didn't nancy grace get disbarred? If Alan Shore were real, I'd be Alan. You know what? Even though he's not real, I'll still try and be him. I want to 'specialize' in civil litigation so maybe I can learn the skills to deliver kick ass court room performances? God I miss "Boston Legal," it was such a good show.

[Nancy_Botwin]

Yes! I'm going to say that I want to go to law school because Kim Kardashian's dad did and he made a lot of money after the OJ trial! Yale and Harvard will hear about my PS and will beg ME to go to school there tee hee!

What about Jose Baez? He did a cracker jack of a job.

OH! I want to be Nancy Grace! Or Judge Mabeline!

Didn't Nancy Grace get disbarred? If Alan Shore were real, I'd be Alan. You know what? Even though he's not real, I'll still try and be him. I want to 'specialize' in civil litigation so maybe I can learn the skills to deliver kick ass court room performances? God I miss "Boston Legal," it was such a good show.

I totally missed the Boston Legal reference! And I'm not sure about nancy grace -- I wouldn't be surprised if she were disbarred for being such an obnoxious cow.