<p>Why do they limit the essay to 500 words, yet give us 6000 characters to input? my essay right now is at 600... and i think i might actually need those extra words above 500.. is this looked down on?</p>
<p>actually, i think the 500 word thing is more of a guideline than a rule. and if you do go over 6,000 characters (though you might not want it to be that long just so the admissions people don't go insane), you can always continue it in the additional info section. my essay was 800 words, 4,000 characters, and it fit in the box fine.</p>
<p>bump. thx gloaming</p>
<p>anyone else's common app essay go above like the 600 range? right now mine is at 600 flat</p>