<p>If so, by how much is acceptable? Say 20 words? 50 words? Thanks.</p>
<p>From my experience, you can go a few words over the word limit. I think on the 100 word essays I had close to 120 words. However, the system will give you an error message if you try and put WAY too many words. Since it’ll tell you when you have too many words, you don’t have to worry too much about it. If it accepts it and all of the words can be seen when you preview the PDF, you’ll be fine.</p>
<p>I think the limit on the longer essays is 275. Note, though, that the more above 250, the smaller the text gets when you preview the application.</p>
<p>You cannot go over the limit, as if you go over it when you attempt to submit your app it does not let you. I went something like 5 words over on one of the essays and then the system refused to accept my application until I cut out a few words.</p>
<p>IMHO why would you want to go over the limit. </p>
<p>A limit is just that, the limit. By going over you are showing that you can’t follow directions. Not something that I would want to show on an application to MIT.</p>
<p>Besides, making your point and staying within the limit would be demonstrating a valuable skill. That is something I would think you would want to show on your application.</p>
<p>You can go over the limit, but only by a few words.</p>
<p>Honestly you can cut it down to 100 for short answers and 250 for the longer ones. It’s possible.</p>
<p>Going a few words over the limit (while it should be avoided if possible) will in no way affect an applicant’s admissibility.</p>
<p>I went over the limit in basically every essay and got accepted. If it lets you submit it you’re good, and the hard limit is 275 if I remember correctly.</p>
<p>Be careful on the EC section though, on that one the limit really is exactly 40. I was scrambling a little to get mine shortened, basically right on the deadline.</p>