Entrance essay: I cannot write a 200 word essay!

EDRN-2010 · Jan 8, 2010

If you take your name out and identifying info out, I would be willing to read it if you want to send it to my inbox. Maybe you just need a fresh set of eyes??

I know this is a little OT, but I did not know where else I could vent this. One of the requirements for entrance to the FNP program that I want is a 200 word essay. There are no topic guidelines, so I am assuming they want the standard "here is some background about me / why I want to be an NP" essay. I am a writer, it is one of my great loves. I can sit down and crank out an essay on nearly any topic on a matter of an hour. I can have it polished and ready with a couple days. The problem is, I cannot whittle my entrance essay down to 200 words no matter WHAT I do!
I have written what I feel is a great first draft that I am excited about. It is one page typed, 12 font, 1.5 line spacing (this is default for my computer, I can adjust if needed). That said, it is around 600 words total (counting every if, and, a, the, etc.). I assume that to be about 400 "real" words. I don't think it reads as wordy and I think it is interesting and not bland or boring. I have already killed one paragraph that I liked and for the life of me I just cannot get this thing any shorter without sacrificing what I believe are important, eloquent lines.
So, should I suck up my pride, get it down to 200 and turn in a sub-par (in my opinion) essay, or should I stick with my single page, word count be darned? Did anyone else have this situation? I have always ran into this problem in school and usually turn in the lengthier version without a problem, but this is such an important essay to me that I am worried, I don't want them to think I don't follow directions

Protongirl · Jan 8, 2010

I faced a similar dilemma when appplying to a BSN/MSN program that had three specific, involved questions that had to be answered in

I was tempted to go over the word limit because I wanted to answer the question well. But I ended up askng friends to edit it and after I implemented their changes was able to get it down to within the limit.

I was so glad that I did once I interviewed. The admissions officer told me that my concise essay really impressed them and that when applicants send in essays that are clearly well over the limit it sends a clear message about the applcants ability/willingness to follow instructions.

So, if I were you I would definitely find a way to pare it down! You may be surprised how much can be cut if someone with more distance reads it.

Good luck!

*jojo* · Jan 8, 2010

I think having someone read it is a good idea. If it is someone you don't know, even better. Then there will be strict honesty and no hurt feelings.

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 8, 2010

Pare it down. Abstracts, grant proposals, etc. have very strict length limits and being concise is a critical skill at the graduate level.

Verbosity is for beginners and the self-indulgent.

P.S.: I tend to be verbose myself. As I revise rough drafts, they get shorter and shorter. That's a good thing.

Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN · Jan 8, 2010

Thanks for the advice! I have an English teacher reviewing it for me now, and I told her to be brutal, I can take it! I did not mention it being technically over the limit, so I may email her that and see if she can help pare it down.

So, since MS Word only counts every word for their word count, do you just go through by hand and count the "big" words? What words do you not count, I always skip "a, and & the", are there others to skip? Maybe I should consult the writing lab from my alma mater, LOL!

youknowho · Jan 8, 2010

I am so glad i saw this post. I had to do the same thing just today. I wrote my admission statement and it was about 800 words. I need it under 500. I cut here and there and finally it is 494. I figured they have to read so many they want them on the shorter side. I also thinks its a test to see if you can follow their instructions. I hope its enough to get in :)

allnurses Guide · Jan 9, 2010

I had my admission essays professionally critqued. I found a service on the Web (can't remember the name) and they did a great job reviewing them and making suggestions. I also tend to be verbose and often write in the passive tense, so this was very beneficial to me.

RoxyDi · Jan 9, 2010

Editing your own work is always the hardest. I did it recently for a publication portfolio. Next time, give yourself the parameters by estimating how long the length should be on the paper. When you see the space is running out, you don't go overboard as easily as writing free-form. With a huge blank screen, it seems the sky is the limit, and as you said, you have a lot to cover and like to fill in space! Good luck.

zenman · Jan 9, 2010

I've written a bit also...and concise and brief...if you want me to read it.

reglet · Jan 10, 2010

I concur with llg's and Protongirl's comments. I was a technical writer and editor for years before diverting down the path to nursing. Keep it short, to the point, and make them want more! Good luck!

carachel2 · Jan 10, 2010

Pare it down! You'll have similar limits for the endless papers you face in your first few courses. APA format (which I realize is not required for your essay) is focused on clear, simple and concise communication. Start doing it now and your life will be easier!