How long does a personal statement essay have to be?

[Reverend_Smitty]

I'm applying to grad school and they want me to write an essay, "expressing your professional goals and reasons for wanting to enroll as a graduate student" and I'm curious how long that should that be? 250 words? 500 words? more?

I hate having to write these damn things in the first place. What could I possibly say that every other person applying to the program isn't already saying. I actually applied to my undergrad program because I DIDN'T have to write one of these stupid essays. I mean aren't my transcripts, test scores and letters of recommendation enough to prove that I'm at least literate?

[Reverend_Smitty]

1. kick

I'm actually watching American Idol to put off doing this!

[Kat45]

2. Some people with good grades and such still can't write a good sentence

They probably want to check your writing skills as well as finding out why you are interested in their program. I don't know what program you're applying for, but some applicants may have a serious, longstanding interest in the subject, others may not. Some may have concrete, well thought-out goals, others not.