<p>Is it possible to exceed 500 words? If so, by how much? I have some concern about destroying the essence of the message in my essay and am currently over the word limit. Any thoughts...?</p>
<p>I've heard that 500 is more of a guideline. If you are within 100 words of the limit you should be fine.</p>
<p>My essays last year were about 850 words for the personal statement and 750 words for the additional essay. You don't want to ruin the essence of the essay, but those extra words better be worth it.</p>
<p>someone i talked to said that as long as it fits on one page, its fine. because theyre not counting word for word.</p>
<p>At the Yale info session I went to the lady said that it was okay if you were over by a little, but that you shouldn't type your essay in 10-point font to make it fit on one page.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info, newt. My D has an 830 word essay she adores...but was taking grief from her GC for not cutting it down to 500. I'll tell her to leave it as is.</p>
<p>ummm... 830 is pushing it. They'll definitely notice that much extra. The people up there meant that they won't count to 650 and throw your app in the trash. See if your friend can make it a little more succinct and direct. I'm sure she can cut 100, then she'll be okay.</p>
<p>The 500 words is probably a good target to shoot for. If you're too far below you could probably add a few more thoughts to it. If you're too far high then you might want to look into saying things more concisely.</p>
<p>Overall, shoot for one page of writing, without having to use ridiculously small font or double line spacing. It's not like they're going to take points off for 'not following instructions correctly' (they won't even count the number of words).</p>
<p>I am not entirely to sure on this. I believe the reason they do a 500 limit besides not ahving so much to read is to make sure the essays are concise and to the point. This is what I have gained from reading sample essays from collegeboard.</p>
<p>I have an essay that has a 500 word limit but a 3500 character count. I have around 600 words but a 3500 character count.... it goes through on the online thing but is that okay?</p>
<p>Yeah.. don't worry too much about it.. Enjoy the fact that you're sending in your app =)</p>
<p>the rep that came to our area showed as two books.....one really thin and the other one was huge. He said the thin one is an average application, and the big one is "Johnny." He made the solemn pledge that every word in the application will be read....but he kept saying "remember Johnny."</p>
<p>He said that there is no real limit, but use your judgement. If you think the extra words are necessary then do add them.</p>
<p>I read what everyone said, but 500 words really seems short to me for my essay topic, involving a music experience. Getting it below like 620 (maybe 600) would be starting to erode the mood I created and would leave out a lot of important stuff. But the app doesn't say around 500, it says 250-500, making 600+ seem ridiculous. I just don't want it to affect me negatively at all. Would it be better to shorten the experience I'm telling of and kind of leave a couple things to the reader to guess or leave as is?</p>
<p>no just leave it.. it's better to have a few extra words than a rubish essay.. if they will enjoy reading it they won't mind the xtra words - thats what i did anyways...
did my bst to shorten it tho</p>
<p>I showed my essay to two of my teachers who work in the programming office. They've been reading essays for over 35 years. They said the extra words better be worth it. Always try handing it into a trusted teacher. I cut 90 words down to a 770 word essay on 1 page (with standard margins). As long as the words are meaningful, it flows, and its a page, you'll be ok. I can honestly say so many people go overboard it probably doesn't matter as much anymore.</p>
<p>my gc says no. By exceeding the limit shows that you can't follow instructions</p>
<p>They're not looking for anal meticulous instruction followers though. And they don't make a concious count of how many words there are. If you're off by a little they should never even notice.</p>
<p>my gc worked in an admissions office. my essay was over by 200 words and he said he didn't notice or care. dont ask us here, take it to someone with experience. trust the professionals. :)</p>