how small is too small...

[Takoyaki7]

So I sent out my SoP today to UCLA (their deadline is next Tuesday so I'm cutting it really close). The problem is that I just realized that the text might be too small for some people to read. UCLA's SoP sheet resizes text when you enter it so that it all fits on the page. So now I have 900 words crammed on 2/3 of a page... it never crossed my mind that the people reading this would probably be tired/irritated/etc. and have a lot of trouble reading the size 8pt text. Should I spend the extra money to ship a new copy of my SoP first thing tomorrow morning, printed on a separate sheet in standard 12pt font (with a note attached)? I feel really ridiculous that I'm considering spending another $20 just to send these 2 pieces of paper out, but I really don't want people reading my SoP to be mad at me the whole time (probably wouldn't help with the admissions decision), plus I feel bad about it.

Any suggestions...?

[peppermint.beatnik]

I would send a double-spaced, 12pt font, copy, if it was me. I think it would be extremely irritating to read font that small.

[fancypants09]

8 point font is very small, especially when printed. I've had readers critique my resume in the past for the font being too small, and that was Times New Roman 10 point font. The smallest 12 point font, I believe, is Times New Roman. The spacings are small so you can get more on the page than if you were typing in Courier New, for example.

Is it possible to send out an email to the AdComm instead? Sending it via mail may suggest that you're trying to wiggle your way through their word/space limit. On the flip side, you might not need to send in anything, if the AdComm is used to seeing the small font from a lot of the other applicants.

Take the above with a grain of salt...I'm just another applicant, trying to get thru this process

[coyabean]

I would send a double-spaced, 12pt font, copy, if it was me. I think it would be extremely irritating to read font that small.

Me, too. In one of the zillion of books I've read there is a comment along the lines of readers dismissing statements that are too difficult to read. Maybe "Getting What You Came For"?

[Takoyaki7]

Thank you everyone for the responses!

I think I'm going to resend the SoP tomorrow morning with a note that says something to the effect of:

"I recognize that the font size on my previously submitted form might make it difficult for the Admissions Committee to adequately review my SoP. I sincerely apologize for this and have included a newer version of my SoP for the Committee's consideration. Thank you very much for your understanding." ??

I'm pretty bad with words (incredibly wordy), so any advice on how to phrase, "I'm sorry that I messed up, please accept this better looking version of my SoP?"

(As for the word limit, the SoP sheet actually says it's alright to attach additional sheets so I'm not too worried about them thinking I'm trying to get around some sort of limit. It's just too bad that they require everything to be turned in as a hard copy... )

I suppose I've learned my lesson... All other apps will be submitted with AT LEAST 2 weeks of wiggle room!

Thanks!

[spectralScatter]

I went with..

12 Pt Times new Roman

1.0inch margins

Single Spaced

Extra line separating paragraphs.

I'm not an expert,but I think double spaced shouldn't be used. This is usually only used to serve a better purpose for writing comments went editing an essay.

[rising_star]

I wouldn't bother spending $20 to overnight a SOP. Just email the grad secretary on Monday and ask if you can either fax or email as an attachment (PDF would be best) a properly formatted version.

[Takoyaki7]

I wouldn't bother spending $20 to overnight a SOP. Just email the grad secretary on Monday and ask if you can either fax or email as an attachment (PDF would be best) a properly formatted version.

hmm.... I'm working a temp job full-time right now so the $20 doesn't hurt too bad (really, what's the difference between $900 and $920 spent on the process?). Plus, sending it out will give me peace of mind. I don't want to call on Monday only to find out that they won't take faxed or e-mailed copies even if I've already sent the same document in the mail.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll definitely give the department secretary a call on Monday!

Edited December 12, 2009 by kosuke

[coyabean]

And I just cannot hold it any longer!!! Every time I see your post name I want to say something very, very bad.

But I have refrained! Is there a prize?

[modernity]

Is this something you originally submitted online? If so I am sure they are aware that it changes the font size (I'm sure this happened to many more people than you), and the secretary who prints them out probably resizes it for them to read.