<p>How stringent is the admissions committee regarding word count? The supplement says 500 words is the maximum, but is it too risky to go 50 words over? 100 over? I have a large amount of time to edit, but I am just trying to guage it all.</p>
<p>I’d say try to stay below the 500 word mark. And I would NOT go over 550, definitely not. If they didn’t specify a limit, that’s another story. But since they did, listen to them. Best advice is to write a concise essay, which is essentially what they want.</p>
<p>dont go over 550.</p>
<p>I don’t know what the question is but if the app says no more than 500 words then by all means keep it under 500. Period!</p>
<p>Here’s my suggestion: write it without regard for word count. Say everything you think you want to say. Then put it aside. </p>
<p>After two days rewrite it to half the length - again don’t count the words.</p>
<p>Wait two more days and rewrite it again to half its length. Now count the words. If its more than 500 (I’d be very surprised) rewrite once more.</p>
<p>according to my commonapps.org… the supplement for cornell hasnt been released O.o</p>