should supplement essays be short and to the point, or long and descriptive?

[deleted904921]

esp if they give you like 5000 characters limit or like 1000 word limit

just wondering because i've heard both sides how people say adcoms usually prefer short bc they have to read too much
but at the same time, longer is better bc it shows u fully researched and more room to explain why u really wanna go to that school

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[NewEngland123]

You're right when you say adcoms have to read way too much. In the supplementals, it's best to be succinct and direct. No fluff. This doesn't mean you can't include a lot of information and show that you've researched the school a lot and are very interested in the program. But only include what's necessary and relevant. Don't repeat what you already have on your primary application.

 

[Pearl E. White]

Don't repeat what you already have on your primary application.

Exactly this.

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

Better to write a good concise essay than worry about inflating a word count

 

[catchandrelease]

short and to the point.

 

[deleted904921]

Better to write a good concise essay than worry about inflating a word count

short and to the point.

what would be considered concise/short and to the point? is around 500-600 words okay, or is that still considered too long?

 

[PreDenting]

Supplemental Statements should do the following:

1.) Show you’ve done your research on the school and that you’re not just selecting another school on the AADSAS application

2.) Show why you’re a good fit for their specific school

Regarding the length of the statement, you shouldn't feel obligated to meet a certain word count. Like other people have said, be thorough, but don't include fluff. Quality over quantity.

Being concise exudes intelligence.

"I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead."

 

[TheDentalSchoolCoach]

esp if they give you like 5000 characters limit or like 1000 word limit

just wondering because i've heard both sides how people say adcoms usually prefer short bc they have to read too much
but at the same time, longer is better bc it shows u fully researched and more room to explain why u really wanna go to that school

So, for NYU (5000 characters), they really want you to know about the school. They had 4 questions previously and they cut it to just one question. So, for that specific school, I'd be super descriptive and provide relevant facts and how those facts inspired you to attend NYU.

However, for others, get to the point quickly. Don't write too much. Instead focus on telling a good story succintly.

 

[deleted904921]

So, for NYU (5000 characters), they really want you to know about the school. They had 4 questions previously and they cut it to just one question. So, for that specific school, I'd be super descriptive and provide relevant facts and how those facts inspired you to attend NYU.

However, for others, get to the point quickly. Don't write too much. Instead focus on telling a good story succintly.

Oh thank you so much! Do you have any idea about upenn supp? That's the 1000 word limit

 

[TheDentalSchoolCoach]

Yes. For UPenn supplemental, the questions are more like behavioral interview questions. Follow the Situation, Task, Action, & Result format to answer the ones that are behavioral type questions (e.x. ethical dilemma).

For Why UPenn, focus on a few major themes: a) Clinical Excellence and Academic rigor of the program b) Global externship opportunities and c) opportunities to do research (penn's pretty research heavy).

You don't have space to go real deep in these bullet points, so keep it high level with one or two specific examples (e.g. mobile van or specific program in a foreign country, etc.)

For Penn, I'd keep the answers within 150- 250 words or so.

 

[deleted904921]

Yes. For UPenn supplemental, the questions are more like behavioral interview questions. Follow the Situation, Task, Action, & Result format to answer the ones that are behavioral type questions (e.x. ethical dilemma).

For Why UPenn, focus on a few major themes: a) Clinical Excellence and Academic rigor of the program b) Global externship opportunities and c) opportunities to do research (penn's pretty research heavy).

You don't have space to go real deep in these bullet points, so keep it high level with one or two specific examples (e.g. mobile van or specific program in a foreign country, etc.)

For Penn, I'd keep the answers within 150- 250 words or so.

Dang 150 to 250 is so little though for explaining ethical dilemma and why upenn 🙁