<p>Is it ok to make your essay between 550-570 words? I'm editing mine right now and I think it'd be pretty difficult to write in less than 550 words without sacrificing some major content.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry about it.</p>
<p>Are you sure that some colleges won’t throw out an essay if they think it’s too long? Do some college run the essay through a word count?</p>
<p>My younger kid applied to college last year. She ran over on most of her essays, especially her personal statement. She got accepted ED.</p>
<p>I think you should cut down your essay to 500 words. I’ve assisted students on college essays and in most cases the essays are more clear and concise without unnecessary words and ideas. Less is more: DELETE.</p>
<p>Also, read the following article on length of essay…</p>
<p>[Can</a> Your Common Application Essay Be More than 500 Words?](<a href=“http://collegeapps.about.com/b/2012/07/23/can-your-common-application-essay-be-more-than-500-words.htm]Can”>http://collegeapps.about.com/b/2012/07/23/can-your-common-application-essay-be-more-than-500-words.htm)</p>