For secondaries that ask us to list things, do they actually mean just list them and that's it?

[FutureDoc1014]

For example, Tulane has this prompt:

Please list your hobbies and major non-academic interests (Max 150 words)

Maybe I am overthinking it, but for this, do we literally just write "My hobbies and other non-academic interests include x, y, z, etc."? Or should we just write an actual paragraph with some details and reflection? It's not a long word count but I'm just not sure if they actually mean to just list it or not.

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[Goro]

The list is merely to demonstrate that you have a life outside of academics, that you might be interesting, and can also follow simple instructions.

 

[LunaOri]

When I read these things, I do prefer to see a little personalization. For me, I learn more about you from a sentence that reads “I love spending time outdoors hiking, biking, and swimming with my brother (who is also my best friend) and my rescue pitbull” than I would from a list that reads “skiing 50 hrs, hiking 150 hrs, swimming 60 hrs”.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Yes, just the facts. Like on a resume.

 

[FutureDoc1014]

Thank you for the clarification and help guys, much appreciated 🙂

 

[Dr.Freedman MedEdits]

The key to secondaries is to read the prompt carefully and respond by answering exactly what's asked. This sounds pretty basic, I know, but you'd be surprised how often well-meaning students think they can impress by deviating from the prompt. If they ask for a list with word limits, give them precisely that—those parameters are designed to test your ability to communicate concisely and follow instructions. Readers reviewing hundreds of applications truly appreciate candidates who simply answer the question asked.

 

[LizzyM]

The fact that the word limit is 150 words makes me thing that a paragraph rather than a list might be okay. If they really wanted a list, I would think that 25 words would be enough.

 

[FutureDoc1014]

The fact that the word limit is 150 words makes me thing that a paragraph rather than a list might be okay. If they really wanted a list, I would think that 25 words would be enough.

That’s what’s making me wonder. I’m thinking of writing it out in sentences like LunaOri said below. Thanks for the help 🙂

When I read these things, I do prefer to see a little personalization. For me, I learn more about you from a sentence that reads “I love spending time outdoors hiking, biking, and swimming with my brother (who is also my best friend) and my rescue pitbull” than I would from a list that reads “skiing 50 hrs, hiking 150 hrs, swimming 60 hrs”.