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Recommended Essay Lengths?

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 1:20 pm
by granger
Is there a guide to recommended lengths for personal statements, why X essays, addenda, etc.?

Re: Recommended Essay Lengths?

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 1:22 pm
by bk1
Schools have specific guidelines so follow them, but generally:

PS is usually 2-4 pages double spaced, 12 pt, Times New Roman.

Everything else (DS, supplemental essays, addenda) are usually 1 page double spaced, 12 pt, Times New Roman though addenda should often be a paragraph or two at the most.

Re: Recommended Essay Lengths?

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 1:30 pm
by Dany
Why, yes!

Eskimo's Guide to Essay Lengths

Personal Statement: No more than 2 pages, 12pt font, double-spaced

Why X? Essay: No more than 1 page, 12pt font, double-spaced

Addenda: As short as it can possibly be while still including relevant and necessary information. This will almost always be 1-2 short paragraphs. (12pt font, double-spaced)

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The guidelines above are the general TLS consensus and will cover 95% of situations, but there are some rare exceptions (for example, Berkeley encourages a longer PS.)

Also, normal, 1" margins. No tiny ones.

Finally, your name and LSAC number should be a header on all documents you send in.