SOP Length. Is 1300 words too short when the limit is 1500?

[Epi2013]

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone had any advice on this topic. I have expanded my 500 word SOP (for Columbia) up to about 1330 words, but the limit is 1500 (for 3 other schools) so I didn't know how close I really needed to be to that. If anyone has any info, I always appreciate it.

Thanks!

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[ald]

If you've said everything you think you need to, I wouldn't add "fluff" just to fill 200 words. Adcoms read a lot of these things, so I would say conciseness would probably be looked upon favorably. (I don't think I came anywhere close to the word limits of my SOPs.)

Good luck finishing your apps!

 

[Epi2013]

So how short do you think would be too short? Bcuz I added some fluff to get to 1300 otherwise it would be more like 1000.

 

[SMUrandy]

So how short do you think would be too short? Bcuz I added some fluff to get to 1300 otherwise it would be more like 1000.

I really think it depends on your writing style as well. For example, my SOP is about 1,100.... no fluff. Could I add a few hundred words more? Yes! However, it would add no significant new information and more than likely would change the flow of what I'm trying to say. I believe there is no right or wrong answer for SOP length... it comes down to saying everything you need to say in a manner that you are comfortable with and conveys your history and future directions.

 

[espre]

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone had any advice on this topic. I have expanded my 500 word SOP (for Columbia) up to about 1330 words, but the limit is 1500 (for 3 other schools) so I didn't know how close I really needed to be to that. If anyone has any info, I always appreciate it.

Thanks!

My Columbia MPH SOP was 800 words, and I was accepted. My essay submitted to all other schools was around 700 words, and all worked out well with my applications.