How Long Should Your UChicago Essay Be? A Tale of Infinite Possibilities
So, you're staring at a blank screen, a gaping void where your brilliant UChicago supplemental essay should be. The question looms large: how long should this thing be? Let’s dive into this existential crisis together.
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| How Long Should The University Of Chicago Supplemental Essay Be |
The Great Word Count Conundrum
UChicago is that kind of school. The kind that loves to throw curveballs. Like, literally, they give you prompts about throwing curveballs. So, it’s no surprise they’re also chill about word counts. There's no strict limit, just a casual "500-700 words for the extended essay, 300-600 for the 'Why UChicago?' one." It's like they're saying, "Hey, we trust you. Write as much or as little as you want. Just make it good."
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
But let's be real, nobody wants to read a novel. And nobody wants to submit a tweet. So, let's find a happy medium.
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
Quality Over Quantity (Usually)
Think of it this way: you're trying to impress a really smart, really busy person. You want to capture their attention, but you don't want to bore them to tears. So, focus on quality over quantity. A well-crafted 500-word essay is way better than a rambling 1000-word mess.
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
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That said, if you have a truly epic tale to tell, and you can maintain a high level of interest throughout, go for it. Just be prepared to edit, edit, edit.
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
The Sweet Spot
Based on my totally scientific research (i.e., reading a bunch of college admissions blogs), here's my recommendation:
- Extended Essay: Aim for around 600 words. This gives you enough space to develop your ideas without going overboard.
- Why UChicago? Essay: Stick to the 400-500 word range. You want to be concise and specific.
Remember, these are just guidelines. The most important thing is to write something that's engaging, insightful, and authentically you.
How to... Master the UChicago Essay
- How to choose the right prompt: Pick one that sparks your interest and gives you plenty of room to show off your personality.
- How to brainstorm ideas: Freewrite, mind map, or talk to friends. The more ideas you generate, the better.
- How to structure your essay: Create a clear outline to guide your writing.
- How to edit ruthlessly: Cut out any unnecessary fluff and make sure your essay is as strong as possible.
- How to proofread carefully: Typos and grammatical errors can make a bad impression.
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