A study of white light emission from magic sized CdSe quantum dots is reported. Quantum dots were synthesized using a hot solution method and exhibited strong white light with a quantum yield in the range of 10-30%. The emission of white light was attributed to photoluminescence (PL) from both excitons and surface states. The wavelength and intensity of the PL from both excitons and surface states were found to depend upon the particle size, reaction time, reaction temperature and precursor ratio.