<p>I know it says approximately limit it to 500 words but I didn't feel as if I could cut many out, do you think 644 words is ok for the essay?</p>
<p>I believe from what I've read from Matt and Ben in past years, that should be OK. </p>
<p>Get it as close to 500 as you can, though... and if you're pushing 800, that's too long. (<-- mootmom's interpretation of what M&B have said in past)</p>
<p>I haven't gotten into MIT or anything, but I've found it's easier to figure out what should be cut/shortened/revised/whatever if I revisit the essay after waiting a few days or a week.</p>