<p>I've written 158 words (840 characters) for the extracurricular activity portion of the common app which has a 150 word (1000 character) limit. Is this fine?</p>
<p>i have a similar question. im writing 315 words for a 250 word limit. what will they do if we go over the limit. every word im adding on that is extra is meaningful. so what should i do? cut the extra words out bc they dont follow the rules? or keep them?</p>
<p>I personally don’t think they’ll penalize me or anything. As long as it appears and doesn’t get cut off… but still :/. Mind reading mine?</p>
<p>sorry - i would except im busy with family stuff over these next few days. i havent even finished 2 of my own :/</p>
<p>Ah, it’s fine. Just wanted a quick read and a ‘It’s aight.’ or whatever. Hope you finish all your applications :)</p>
<p>For the Russianrun with 158 words, it may not be a big deal, but you should cut it. Writing this type of essay is like making a budget: everything in it should have a purpose and there should be no junk, needless stuff in it. I’m sure you can delete 8 words.</p>
<p>As for thegreentea, that’s way too many. </p>
<p>In general, I take it at face value: none of my essays are even 1 character over. Many are at the exact limit.</p>
<p>if it doenst get cut off in the PDF
i think it would be fine correct?</p>
<p>I second jimyjim statement.</p>
<p>According to the article in the New York Times as long as it fits it “ships” electronically of course. 
On a more serious note, no one will analyze your essay making sure it is 150 words. As long as it fits, not truncated, it will be fine. Even if some of your ECs are truncated:
“In a nutshell, I would empathize with students’ frustration. A truncated essay is not going to be the end-all, be-all of an admissions decision”. - Vice President of NYU Undergraduate Admissions</p>
<p>I highly recommending print previewing every application before you send it to avoid such issues.</p>
<p>Source: <a href=“Common Application Users Find Glitch In Common, Too - The New York Times”>Common Application Users Find Glitch In Common, Too - The New York Times;