Cornell's Writing Sample

[fj20]

Here's the statement from Cornell's website: "Your writing sample must be between 3,000 and 7,500 words (12-30 pages), typed and double-spaced."

As far as I can tell, 30 pages of double-spaced type can get up to at least 10,000 words. Has anyone else come across a discrepancy between a department's length requirements in terms of pages and their length requirements in terms of words? I'm thinking that so long as I'm under 30 pages, I'll be alright, regardless of the word-count. Any thoughts?

[thereandbackagain]

I think we just have to go with the page recommendation. The 23-page paper I'm going to send in is 8400 words (page & word count do not include works cited).

Here's the statement from Cornell's website: "Your writing sample must be between 3,000 and 7,500 words (12-30 pages), typed and double-spaced."

As far as I can tell, 30 pages of double-spaced type can get up to at least 10,000 words. Has anyone else come across a discrepancy between a department's length requirements in terms of pages and their length requirements in terms of words? I'm thinking that so long as I'm under 30 pages, I'll be alright, regardless of the word-count. Any thoughts?

[anonacademic]

I'll agree with the above. I highly doubt that, upon receiving your application, they'll go straight to "Word Count" then chuck your essay if it's over. Are you uploading the document?

On the other hand, if you have time, it might be worthwhile to go through your sample and do some revisions - nothing major, but cut unnecessary parts, or revise to make things more concise. But I really wouldn't sweat it if your sample is strong.

Just out of curiosity, does the page count include the footnotes?

[shepardn7]

I'll agree with the above. I highly doubt that, upon receiving your application, they'll go straight to "Word Count" then chuck your essay if it's over. Are you uploading the document?

On the other hand, if you have time, it might be worthwhile to go through your sample and do some revisions - nothing major, but cut unnecessary parts, or revise to make things more concise. But I really wouldn't sweat it if your sample is strong.

Just out of curiosity, does the page count include the footnotes?

I decided to convert to Chicago endnotes because I thought footnotes would lengthen my paper too much. I think they'll see you have footnotes and know it lengthens the paper, but I was still a little worried because my sample is 23 pages without footnotes (it's 25 or 26 now if you count the endnotes). If you're close to the limit, you might convert to endnotes, just in case?

[anonacademic]

I decided to convert to Chicago endnotes because I thought footnotes would lengthen my paper too much. I think they'll see you have footnotes and know it lengthens the paper, but I was still a little worried because my sample is 23 pages without footnotes (it's 25 or 26 now if you count the endnotes). If you're close to the limit, you might convert to endnotes, just in case?

Gah! I meant endnotes That's what my sample has. I'm confident in the length (18 pages + WC + EN), I was just curious.

That's good advice, though. Thanks!