"Not less than 200 words" - how much is too much?

[Tonights]

So, I'm applying to a MA program. All of my other applications were doctoral, but this one is just perfectly suited to me, so I have to apply.

The statement of purpose is to be, as in the title, "not less than 200 words." Do you think it's appropriate to use the 1000+ word statement I used for my other applications, or should I shave it down?

[desireyen]

i think that should be fine.

[misterpat]

I'm laughing, imagining someone struggling to extend their SOP to the 200 word minimum.

I would submit your SOP in its best form, whatever the length. If it's just over 1000, that isn't excessive by any means. However, if your SOP is only over 1000 because it needed to be longer for other schools, you might want to see if you can make it slightly more concise by eliminating anything redundant. My guess is that most of the SOPs will still be at least 500 words since its hard to say anything worthwhile in less than that.

[miratrix]

Yeah, I'd say just send it in. Or cut it down as much as you can, so it fits on a page.

Also, "not less than 200," wow...an MA program I'm applying to has a two-part statement, one at "not more than 300 words" and one at "not less than 1200."

[Boz]

I think that any word-count restriction of less than two pages, single spaced, is just wrong. Two of my schools had a 500-word requirement, and it was hard to cut my painstakingly-written SoP down to size. However, I found out later that a lot of applicants to one of these schools just disregarded the instructions and submitted their uncut SoPs, to no negative consequence with regard to admissions.

I think you should send your SoP just as it is.

[Tonights]

Yeah, I was a mite confused about the itty-bitty word requirement, especially since this is a competitive school. (New program, but very competitive school). I had a dreadful time shaving my 1200 word SOP down to 500 words and keeping it relevant and meaningful, let alone 200! I think I'm just going to send the whole thing exactly as it is.

Thanks a lot, guys, I would have worried that this was a faux pas if I didn't get a bit of reassurance.

[miratrix]

Related question: I'm working on the two-part statement for the school that asks for "at least 1200 words" for one part. I've painstakingly added to my original 700, but only made it to 1100 words. Is it horrible if I'm 100 words short of the minimum? Will they even notice? I'm thinking it's okay, but I'm nervous....

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