Chicago PS: what do they mean by 2-4 pages? Forum

[GMW77]

The official prompt for Chicago ps is:

"While there is no page or word limit on the personal statement, please note that the Admissions Committee values an applicant's ability to communicate his or her thoughts in a clear and concise manner. The Admissions Committee typically finds that 2-4 pages is a sufficient length for most personal statements."

-- what do they mean by 2-4 pages? 2-page is fine, or like Berkeley, in which case you're pretty much screwed if you write less than 3 pages? now I have a general 2-page PS, and a 4-page one I wrote for Berkeley, which I can delete the why Berkeley part and make it 3-page. Wondering if I should personalize the Chicago PS by adding a why Chicago part?

Thanks a lot!

[landshoes]

It's not a trap. If it's a decent PS that's between 2-4 pages the length is not going to matter.

[Dcc617]

I would imagine that you're safe as long as it's 2-4 pages. One page or five and you're probably screwed.

ETA But if you feel like you can add value with more, then put more. If you think you're set at 2, then hold.

[GMW77]

Thank you landshoes! Do you think I should add Why Chicago though? (I mean, do they even care?)

It's not a trap. If it's a decent PS that's between 2-4 pages the length is not going to matter.

[GMW77]

Thank you Dcc617! Do you think I should add a page-long Why Chicago though? In other words, the generic PS aside, do you think Chicago would prefer applicants who show explicit interests in their PS, like Berkeley and other schools that have a "optional" why essay, or they don't really care, like HYS?

I would imagine that you're safe as long as it's 2-4 pages. One page or five and you're probably screwed.

ETA But if you feel like you can add value with more, then put more. If you think you're set at 2, then hold.

[Dcc617]

GMW, I personally don't like the idea of throwing 'Why X' into a personal statement unless it's organic. Like, if there's a compelling reason for it that ties in with the message of your personal statement, then that's awesome. Otherwise, use your personal statement to show cool stuff about yourself, and just write a separate 'Why' essay.

Full disclaimer, I'm a 0L, but I'm having a decent cycle so far.

[GMW77]

Yea that's what I thought. I don't think Chicago has a why essay though. Thanks a lot! I'll probably just stick to my 3-page PS.

BTW cool profile LOL made my day

GMW, I personally don't like the idea of throwing 'Why X' into a personal statement unless it's organic. Like, if there's a compelling reason for it that ties in with the message of your personal statement, then that's awesome. Otherwise, use your personal statement to show cool stuff about yourself, and just write a separate 'Why' essay.

Full disclaimer, I'm a 0L, but I'm having a decent cycle so far.

[KMart]

Thank you landshoes! Do you think I should add Why Chicago though? (I mean, do they even care?)

I did. Seemed to help. Make sure it's genuine. Don't just write it to write it.

[GMW77]

Thanks a lot!

Thank you landshoes! Do you think I should add Why Chicago though? (I mean, do they even care?)

I did. Seemed to help. Make sure it's genuine. Don't just write it to write it.