<p>Ok, I have another essay that would fit perfectly with the 300 word essay. Except it is around 500 words, so I'd have to cut down 200 words from my baby.</p>
<p>BUT, in the application it says that the second essay MAY be shorter. Does that mean I can send a second essay that is 500 words long?</p>
<p>Has anyone done this?
Any help appreciated</p>
<p>Yup, the "may" means that the second essay doesn't have to be shorter. My "shorter" essay was also around 500 words, and I got accepted, so you're fine!</p>
<p>mine was in the 400s so I think it wont be too big of a deal. If u can get it under 500 it definitly won't be an issue.</p>
<p>If it's wordy or redundant, try to cut it down. If not, don't lose any sleep over it. Quality, not quantity.</p>
<p>I agree with jon but mine were 800 and 900 and I got accepted so I don't really think word count matters too much. Also, when I was in the process of writing my app I actually called to ask the exact same question that you posed in this thread. The response: YES it is completely valid to interpret the MAY that way.</p>