800 word essay too much for common app?

[newt]

<p>You guys miss the point. Nickleby, yes, cut it out, but do not cut out quality material. Bettina, it's only way to much if it is bad writing. If it's really good and flows well, "'can't follow directions', 'inappropriate judgement', 'bad writer'" will be the last comments out of the readers mouth.</p>

<p>For more comments, I refer you to this thread: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com...ead.php/?t=19986%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com...ead.php/?t=19986&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>and these posts in particular:

@newt

If your essays are good, it doesn't matter what length they are! Everyone on this board always tells people to strip their essays down to make the cut. Well, if it's bad enough that you have to cut it down, its not going to be a great essay even after you make it fit the 500 word limit.</p>

<p>Write a good essay, it doesn't matter how long (within reason--don't write a 2000 word essay for a 500 word essay limit (unless its super awesome, actually)). A 500-word stripped-down essay will not help you if it was not good to begin with. A 700 word essay will not help you if it is not good. A 500 word or a 700 word essay will help you if it is quite good.</p>

<p>Eh, I think I'm rambling now.</p>

<p>Anyways, I got into Yale and both of my essays were over the limit (~820 for one, ~600 for the other).</p>

<p>I say that if your essay is good, and the extra words are warranted, leave it be.</p>

<p>But then again, if you are applying online and they physically won't let you send it over the limit, ya you're screwed then. Cut it down .

@newt

If those extra words really really help the essay, it will be a good thing. If the words are superfluous, they could potentially harm you (because you did not edit it well).

@Justice~

the length is not as important as the flow. if the flow is not there, a 400word essay will seem too long. make sure that every word serves a specific purpose and if it's still 600,700+, so be it.

</p>