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Word Count
After reading Christina’s “How Short Form Helps Me Increase My Earnings” story, this got me thinking how the word count limit requirement makes me evaluate each word I use and make sure each word count.
Way back when I filled out my college applications, I either had to cut down words if I went over the word count limit or considered adding more words if I was under the word count limit.
When I exceeded the word count limit, that led me to think if I’m wasting my words. I think to myself what words I can cut out and if there is a way I can re-work my personal statement essay to be more concise. Then, I look at the content and think if there are excess words that do not showcase me. I do so by reading to see if I am spending too much words focusing on the story of my upbringing or life experiences and not as much as what I had to offer to the colleges.
When I had words to spare before I reach the word count limit, that led me to think if I’m wasting my opportunity use additional words to say more. I think about where I can elaborate. For example, I see if there any statements that needed to be backed by examples. I also look for opportunities to make my essay flow better with transition words.
If you think about it, writing with a word count limit is an art and science. I have to find a…
