Having a freak out - personal statement

[maxine35]

Hey,
I've applied to do UMEP psychology in 2011.

I wrote a 400-word long personal statement, but now I am having a complete and utter freak out because I think the limit may have been 500 characters rather than 500 words and I misread it. I was very sick when I filled out the application (in hospital), so I wasn't thinking straight, and I can't remember what the majority of it said. Does anyone recall exactly what it was? That'd be a great help.

If I have written under 500 words as opposed to 500 characters, do you think I'd be precluded from the program? I've been told they can reject a student based on errors like these so I am quite concerned.

Thanks so much

[Eriny]

When I was freaking out about my application for UMEP, I just called the office. They were very nice and reassuring. I think calling them (or emailing them, if it's easier) will really help ease your mind. And, by the way, I doubt if it is a problem, but if it is, at least you will be able to explain why.

[rustic_metal]

Yeah just call and say you misread and could they please make a note of that on your application. They'll probably just jot it down on a piece of paper and stick it with your file.

[Pixon]

Don't worry too much! The UMEP personal statement is generally regarded as useless. In any case, you may have just pointed out the error in my own application. Although, they might have more issues with me not being able to count 500 characters because I applied for mathematics.

Also, I'm pretty sure it said 500 words. But as I pointed out, the statement is rather insignificant so it doesn't matter.

[maxine35]

Thanks heaps guys for the advice! Hopefully, if I have made an error it won't be too much of an issue. I've just sent them an email explaining the situation, because I don't think they're in the office at the moment for a phone call. We'll see... I am just so anxious about this because I am so desperate to get in! It means quite a lot to me.