<p>I have been able to narrow down my short essay on the common app to 180 words, (Down from about 250!!) and it is pretty much impossible to narrow down any further. Is the 150 word limit just a guideline, or do they actually cut it off at 150 words? (considering that I am submitting online, there is a good reason to be wary of that possibility)</p>
<p>well online they only limit you 3000 characters (which is more like 500 words), so its up to you to make sure its 150 words. 180 should be fine. i cant cut down mine any farther than that either.</p>