<p>From reading other posts it seems the word limit for the Common Application essays in previous years was 500? How seriously do admissions officers check that limit and how much do they penalize/(disqualify) you if you go over? Thanks. </p>
<p>(By the way do you know how often the common app changes the essay questions and what the chances are for last years essay questions to be the same for students applying in the fall?)</p>
<p>(Yeah nvm on the second part I found out they were the same, it says right on the site but I misread it earlier)</p>
<p>I think mine was just under the word limit, but nobody's going to kill you if you go over by 50-100 words. Basically they don't have the time to read anything much longer than 500 words.</p>
<p>When you use CommonApp online, the space for your reply is limited. If your essay is too long (due to word count or formating) it will be cut off.</p>
<p>i was about 70 words over the limit. i don't think you'll be penalized but admissions ppl read a lot of essays so keep it somewhat close to 500 words.
have fun writting : )</p>
<p>Mine was a page, single-spaced. I would say that if you stick to one page, you'll be okay. Just make sure all your words are worthwhile!</p>
<p>For most schools it's a soft cutoff, but I wouldn't go crazy or anything. Be concise yet profound.</p>