length of SOP

[ltdd]

you know sometimes a program requires you to write your SOP within a ridiculously short word limit.

So I was wondering, say they require you so keep it in 600 words, does that literally mean your SOP has to be less than 600?

or is it alright if it's a little longer, like 620?

I know it's a stupid question, but it's driving me crazy.

Thanks!

[ToomuchLes]

I dont think those extra words will be cut out; however, I would really really try to follow their instructions of 600 words or less. 

 

My shortest word count was 500 words. When I started writing my SOP weeks ago, I wrote a moderate length SOP that I was comfortable with - 1200 words. Afterward, I started to discard all my extra, embellishing words, threw out any non-academic activities, focused on only 1 research project, narrowed my research interest to 2 sentences that state what i want to study and why its important, and finally talked about working with two POI (2 sentences) and then included a general sentences afterward that hinted I am a perfect addition to the department because Prof C, D, and E are doing similar stuff; albeit different geography/time. With shorter SOPS you really need to get to the point if you want to be below the word count. 

[ssynny]

20 words really isn't that much and it mostly likely won't affect your application. That being said, I still would recommend trying to stick to their guidelines. Some schools do run their essays through analysis software and it tells you the word count. Just try and cut out a sentence or two. Good luck!!!!

[ltdd]

thanks guys!

[RachaelMC]

What if the school doesn't specify? One says 300 words, one says 500, but the other two only say "concise". Should I just stick to 500ish?

[ToomuchLes]

You should double check their website. If you still cant find any information, call them. UCLA (at least for me) clearly states 1-2 pages, while another school didn't have a proper length but they "advised" 2-3 pages. 

[maozedong]

You should double check their website. If you still cant find any information, call them. UCLA (at least for me) clearly states 1-2 pages, while another school didn't have a proper length but they "advised" 2-3 pages. 

 

Would 1-2 pages count as 500 words?