<p>Sorry if there is already a thread for this, but the Common App says to write a "250-500" word essay, but if mine is a bit over at 516, does that matter? Or do I really need to narrow it down to 500 or less words?</p>
<p>Try uploading it and if it works go to PREVIEW. If all of the words are on the preview, then you’re good.</p>
<p>The essay has no actual limit in the CA. 516 is absolutely fine; people have used 800+ essays. Just keep in mind someone’s gonna need to read it all.</p>
<p>@5lbs: While there wasn’t a word limit in prior years, this year there IS a word limit. </p>
<p>I emailed the Common App and they were pretty specific about keeping within the word limit. </p>
<p>I don’t think it would look very good if the first thing colleges learn about you is that you can’t follow directions. </p>
<p>Also, the preview is basically just a view of your Word doc.</p>