<p>So I am applying to Tufts (ED2) - and I was writing their supplement essays. Each of my essays was a little longer than the suggested word limit. BUT - the sample essays I read on their website ("essays that worked") all exceeded the word limit by a considerable amount. so I thought I was fine.</p>
<p>But when I posted the essays on to the commonapp website, it said I exceeded my character limit? I posted the very essays Tufts said it loved - and even they exceeded the character limit! What's the deal? Is there no way I can stick with my current essays (I really really like them)? Because honestly, if the essays Tufts recommends as good essays themeselves exceed the Common App character limit, I don't see the point... just a bit confused.</p>
<p>Any help will be appreciated! thanks.</p>
<p>They may have had different limits in other years. I know they actually made the “Why Tufts” question longer - it was only 50 words the year my son applied. They may also have changed the Common Application software to make it less forgiving. If the Common Application is cutting off your essay you have two choices, mail the application by hand or edit your essay. I recommend the latter. I’ve never seen an essay that wasn’t improved by getting it to the recommended length. Never.</p>
<p>BTW, it never ends. My son was writing essays for a State Department internship this weekend. He got it down to 2500 characters according to Word, but the State Department software counts the paragraphs enters as spaces so he ended up being 10 characters over! He figured out a way to get rid of ten characters.</p>
<p>also make sure you are using courier typeface - some typefaces seemed to add characters in the common app. Also make sure you use just one space after periods, etc.</p>
<p>@Mathmom is right. We change the app every year. </p>
<p>We’re not counting words, so while I strongly encourage you to adhere to the spirit of the lengths we suggest, if you’re a touch over, that’s not a big deal. Also, from the early feedback we’re getting, it’s likely we’re going to adjust the character limits to allow for greater flexibility.</p>