<p>for short answer under writing samples it says elaborate on one of your activities or volunteer things in 150 words or less</p>
<p>Mine is actually 294 -- so like double but I really don't want to cut it down in fact it's really complementary to my actual essay and I go into more detail in the short answer (my essay is more vague bc I didn't want it to come off as a resume type deal)</p>
<p>SO QUESTION: Is the short answer more of a small formality for which admissions officers don't care and should I therefore repeat all the details of my extracurricular somewhere else.
AND ALSO: Will they most likely cut me off at 150 words and not read the rest of my short answer (EVEN THO the site says I have 1710 more characters left in my response at 294 words)</p>
<p>If you were a little bit over I'd say it is okay but being twice over is definitely noticeable. How this will be perceived is varied. Admissions people probably won't care and but there are some who might dock you for it---it's your risk.</p>
<p>I think double is stretching it too far - although you have space, adcoms might not like reading so much more... going a little over the limit shouldn't hurt</p>
<p>they won't cut it off but probably won't be pleased. they intend to receive a 150 word essay, which is a different breed altogether from something double its size.</p>
<p>
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should I therefore repeat all the details of my extracurricular somewhere else.
[/quote]
You shouldn't repeat anything anywhere. Say it once and leave it alone. Have some sympathy for the admissions officers and don't give them more to read than they need! (That can also get them mad - not the frame of mind you'd want them to be in.)</p>