Common App essay length?

<p>I have an essay that, if it includes almost everything I'd like it to, is around 750 words (slightly less). I can cut out several chunks, but I don't feel the essay is as satisfactory without them.</p>

<p>I'm at a loss as to what to do here... I keep hearing at if your essay can fit into two pages double-spaced, you should be fine. My essay easily does that, yet it exceeds the 500 word suggested limit by quite a lot. Any advice on what to do here?</p>

<p>Actually, in all honest, ~750 is an essay that I’m alright with but not thrilled about. The essay I really love and feel strongly about is ~800 or 850, depending on cuts.</p>