Why X Essay Forum

[liz2534]

Thanks!

[TheJanitor6203]

Is it acceptable to include more "personal" reasons in a Why X essay? I currently live half-way across the country from the T-14 school in question. But my long-term boyfriend is enrolled in a Ph.D. program at the same school, and so I have been considering moving for awhile. It's definitely a major factor in the decision to pack up and move 1,000 miles away, and I think it may make me look more committed to going there if they accept me. Is this normal to include? I have specific academic interests that I will also address, I just wasn't sure if I should add this factor too.

Thanks!

I think it's fine to use personal reasons in your statement. I did in mine.

[hephaestus]

Yes this is definitely acceptable, and probably a better reason that most (eg "I really like X's course offerings"). The point of a Why X is to minimize your chances of getting YP'd, and this certainly does it.

[062914123]

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[TheJanitor6203]

Sorry to butt in, but how long are Why X essays (usually)? The apps I'm looking at don't seem to have specific reqs but I'm assuming about a page, double spaced...?

Also--is there some sort of Why X megapost somewhere out there? Checked the forum stickies but didn't see any.

I think the general rule is one good paragraph but definately no more than a page.

[hephaestus]

Sorry to butt in, but how long are Why X essays (usually)? The apps I'm looking at don't seem to have specific reqs but I'm assuming about a page, double spaced...?

Also--is there some sort of Why X megapost somewhere out there? Checked the forum stickies but didn't see any.

Mine were all 1-1.5 pages.

[TheJanitor6203]

Sorry to butt in, but how long are Why X essays (usually)? The apps I'm looking at don't seem to have specific reqs but I'm assuming about a page, double spaced...?

Also--is there some sort of Why X megapost somewhere out there? Checked the forum stickies but didn't see any.

Mine were all 1-1.5 pages.

I'm no expert but I'd recommend cutting it down to 1 full page or less.

[TheJanitor6203]

I say this just from what I've read from other posters here but also, one school I'm applying to actually requires the Why X and they specifically say no more than a page.

[hephaestus]

Sorry to butt in, but how long are Why X essays (usually)? The apps I'm looking at don't seem to have specific reqs but I'm assuming about a page, double spaced...?

Also--is there some sort of Why X megapost somewhere out there? Checked the forum stickies but didn't see any.

Mine were all 1-1.5 pages.

I'm no expert but I'd recommend cutting it down to 1 full page or less.

My cycle was two years ago and I performed fine. But sure, write 1 page if that's the norm.

[liz2534]

Thanks for the responses!