<p>I have looked this up, so before anyone suggests that I do so, don't.</p>
<p>The 250-500 word "limit" for the Common App essay is not a guideline according to WinstonWolfe. However, the Common App also does not have the ability to enforce this rule.</p>
<p>So, what really is the right way to go about things? If my essay is, for example 510 words, is it really necessary to take out the 10 words so that I can fit under the "limit"? A limit that isn't enforced or a limit that colleges probably don't even take into account?</p>
<p>I've seen people post quotes from Deans from various colleges that it is ok to go over the word limit, so what are you guys doing?</p>
<p>Is anybody going to be submitting an essay that is over 500 words?</p>
<p>I think between 10-50 words over is OK, as long as they MAKE SENSE, aren’t extraneous, and don’t prevent the essay from being concise, effective, and interesting.</p>
<p>Mine’s about 520. I think you should adhere to the word limits closely on supplements, though. </p>
<p>If it will give you piece of mind, you can probably cut out ten words pretty easily, but only you know that for sure.</p>
<p>I would try adhering as closely as you can to the word limit. It’s useful to be able to follow directions. Think about the future – when you are applying to jobs or even AT a job, if they ask for a 500 word piece, and you give them 600, it’s going to get thrown out, and you’re either not going to get the job or you’re going to have to do it over again. The limit is there for a reason.</p>
<p>Better safe than sorry. Just follow the directions.</p>
<p>Surely you can find 10 words that be removed, or phrases that can be said more succinctly.</p>