actually, the limit for most schools is no more than 1000 words, and 1200 is pushing your luck. 500 is not that much. it's a statement, not a book.

Two of my four schools required 500 words max, so those two are both like 475 words, and my other two are more like 800 words.

And I should add, I think my shorter statements are better than my longer ones. They're more concise.

^ that's what i potentially think about mine too

jiveonmyness, so long as you have substance in your statements, I don't think you will be penalized by the adcomm. Just go with something you feel comfortable with and confident of. Don't trim it if you feel that you are shortchanging yourself and are doing so just 'cos others have told you yours is too long relative to theirs. You have to think independently.

Just to add, the adcomm must have realized that the personal statement is a powerful piece of document that should not be unnecessarily restricted. For those schools which have a word limit, I guess they are trying to test applicants' abilities to work within constraints. Purpose of applicant is secondary.

Honestly I think the best route to go is just submitting one written page - single spaced, 11 pt font, something like that. Unless, of course, they stipulate that you need 1k+ words. Which most schools don't.

ya, i think i agree with ffqh. i did feel like i needed most of the words, but last night i was able to cut it down by a good amount while retaining the main idea. i think today i just gotta fuse the two versions and itll be good.

if u can convey your ideas in one paragraph, by all means.
the word limit is only to prevent someone writing a book.
get to the point!
profound statements are usually short and concise.
write a good poem, be creative.