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Why X Essay
Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 1:42 pm
by liz2534
Thanks!
Re: Why X Essay
Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 8:21 pm
by TheJanitor6203
liz2534 wrote: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.
Re: Why X Essay
Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 8:24 pm
by 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.
Re: Why X Essay
Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 8:29 pm
by 062914123
.
Re: Why X Essay
Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 8:32 pm
by TheJanitor6203
bee wrote: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.
Re: Why X Essay
Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 8:33 pm
by hephaestus
bee wrote: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.
Re: Why X Essay
Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 8:36 pm
by TheJanitor6203
ImNoScar wrote:bee wrote: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.
Re: Why X Essay
Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 8:37 pm
by 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.
Re: Why X Essay
Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 8:49 pm
by hephaestus
TheJanitor6203 wrote:ImNoScar wrote:bee wrote: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.
Re: Why X Essay
Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 8:50 pm
by liz2534
Thanks for the responses!