<p>I know it says 150 words or fewer but if you go a little over, will it be detrimental to the application.</p>
<p>My essay is 186 and I can't find a way to shorten it.</p>
<p>Have you tried to download/input it into the Common App? It will likely cut your essay after the limit (it’s actually characters, not words but it averages to 150 words). </p>
<p>Have a friend/teacher/parent edit it - you may be surprised at how easily and painlessly you can cut a word here and there. Your essay will likely be stronger afterwards ;)</p>
<p>^what she said</p>