<p>So I wrote my essay and it was like 850 words.<br>
Once I realized that your personal statement was supposed to be between 250-500, I was able to cut it down to 499 words.<br>
I am just worried that I may need to make a few changes in grammar or wording...willl you be penalized if it is, say, 505-520 words?</p>
<p>This may sound stupid but I was wondering so, oh well.</p>
<p>I highly doubt it, but if you’re really skeptical, you can always contact the admissions offices of the schools to which you’re applying and get a direct answer.</p>
<p>I don’t think it matters as long as your essay fits within the two pages allowed for the essay. Some people use longer words than other peoples. My D’s essay was 550 words but only a page and a half so we used it as is. Just be sure to review the print preview of your entire application to make sure that nothing is cut off.</p>