Hey fellow applicants! I'm currently working on my UChicago essays and was wondering if anyone knows the official word limit for their essays? Are they strict about it? I could use some guidance on this. Thanks!
Hello! UChicago does not have a strict word limit for their essays, but rather suggests that your response should be between one and two pages. Unlike many other schools, UChicago does not provide a text box on the Common App for your essay, but rather has you upload it as a separate attachment, so you don't have to worry about sticking to a strict count.
That being said, you do want to follow UChicago's length guidelines, even if they're a bit different—you shouldn't upload a 10-page response, nor one that's just a few sentences. At UChicago especially, the supplemental essays are a unique opportunity to showcase exactly what you a perfect fit for the school, and vice versa, so make sure you're taking full advantage of it!
If you're having trouble figuring out what you want to say, remember that CollegeVine has a blog post breaking down each UChicago supplemental essay option: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-uchicago-essays-2023-2024. CollegeVine also offers both free peer essay reviews and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors, if you want to get another set of eyes on your writing once you have a solid draft.
Good luck with your application!
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