Smith College Essay Advice

[jazzythree]

Hi all - I am in need of advice:

Smith College's essay prompt says, " Please answer each of the following questions separately. In total, the essays as a group should not exceed 8-10 pages." It doesn't state whether or not it should be single or double spaced.

BUT - when I stumbled upon the FAQ, it says, " The length of this assignment varies by individual. The average essays, however, range from six to ten pages in total (double spaced)."

Do I submit an essay that is 7 pages single-spaced (which is about 13 pages double), or should I cut everything down so it fits within 10 pages double spaced?

I already completed the essays and was about to submit today until I saw the FAQ answer by happenstance. Would love to hear your thoughts!

Edited December 29, 2015 by jazzythree

[anothercoffeeplease]

From what you've copied and pasted it seems like they'd really prefer 10 double-spaced pages maximum. The school I applied to had about 4 or 5 questions to answer within a 5 double-spaced page limit, so I sort of feel your pain. Is there anything you can remove from the essay? I kind of dig reading stuff like this (have proofread essays for friends/family applying to various grad programs), so if you'd like another set of eyes on it I'd be happy to help!

[jazzythree]

I ended up cutting some stuff out, and I think it's pretty good to go. Thanks for your advice/response!

[bsMSW]

Hello! I recently got accepted into Smith as an early decision applicant and had the exact same dilemma!! I decided to go with the 10 page maximum double spaced after writing about 7 pages single spaced lol. I do think they are expecting them to be double spaced. 

 

Good luck!

[anothercoffeeplease]

Congrats on your admission, bsMSW!