4 replies to this topic

[spereira14]

Hello everyone,
I'm writing my personal statement for this summer program in NYC, and I was wondering if it was ok to use a quote as the title of the personal statement, it's supposed to be 500 words. Also, I've already written it and it's 564 words, should I trim it down?

[Award Winning Boss]

If it's supposed to be 500 words then yes trim it down.

You can use a quote but it's really over done. Imagine reading through 100 PS and seeing they all start with a quote, would you think it's original?

[Sabs44]

Trim it down, but if it's a quote that you think suits you well and will help you stand out, use it!

[Arrowhead]

Use the quote, those are always a good idea.

Furthermore, if you don't have to submit this essay electronically, i.e. they won't accept your essay if it's got more than 500 words or is more than so-and-so lines, then trim it.

But if it isn't like that, then 564 words is fine. The general rule is that you won't be penalised if you're 10% over and below the word limit. So I would suggest that you bring it down to 550 words and you should be on the safe side.

Cheers,
Arrowhead.

Edited by Arrowhead, Dec 12, 2011 - 14:41.

[spereira14]

Thanks for the advice guys. I've poofed for a while cause I was busy with the application stuff, and well, I have holidays over here At the end I didn't use the quote on the personal statement, but uses it in the academic essay Now it's just waiting for a response....