<p>So I know the word limit is 500 for the supplement but mine goes to about 900-1,000 but I don't really repeat much, I just include a lot. I asked one of the Human Ecology admissions persons on my visit and she said that it is more than fine to go over the limit. She said she has had essays 2 pages front and back but they were fine (that's like 2000 words!). So do you guys think it's okay to be at almost double the word count? I just want some reinforcement haha.</p>
<p>Also, I know of an essay that was 900-1000 words that was accepted to ILR so I don’t think I should be worried; my essay is just two pages exactly.</p>
<p>When I went on a tour the CAS guy said that it’s OK to go over the limit within reason, and 700 is generally about the max they like to read since they have to read so many. Of course, if your essay is really good yours can be an exception.</p>
<p>Yeah I’ll try to get it down a little but it might be difficult without cutting key stuff out. Thanks!</p>
<p>Wow, I’m shocked! Most schools say that 530-550 max is acceptable, but I’ve never heard of 1000-2000! To play it safe, I made mine exactly 500 even though I left out some information to stay concise.
Does the uploaded essay look like a PDF or a word document to them, does anyone know? Also, Just curious, but why did you write so much, especially for the human ecology supplement? Were you writing a specific personal story or listing extracurriculars?</p>
<p>Yeah I got pretty specific about one of my extracurriculars and some experiences to try and make sure I show my “fit” for the school and major, in addition to showing what I like about the program and major and what the school has to offer me and blah blah blah.
I’m not sure how the essay looks to them, but I think it looks like a word document because when you preview the common app, the personal essay looks like a word document.
But yeah I’m going to definitely cut mine down a little. But I’ve seen several people with 900-1000 word essays who got accepted to Cornell on a website that shows admitted applications to ivy league schools.</p>
<p>I would try your best to stay within the limits. As a general rule, if you are going over the limit, there better be a very good reason that fewer words can’t be used.</p>
<p>I think our apps look like the print preview to them. 500-650/700 words is generally a page long, which is what they want to see, give or take a little. if its 2000 its probably going to be pushing 4 and that will certainly stand out from the others.</p>
<p>I actually emailed the admissions office to make sure it was okay, and they said that the 500 word limit is just a guideline. That being said, 1000 is a little too much. In your instance I would recommend trying to get it down to the 700-800s.</p>
<p>Mine is a little under 1,000 but it fits on 2 pages with a little space left, plus my name and DOB as a heading for each page.</p>
<p>Haha I shortened it as much as I could and got it down to 950, which is pretty good concerning it was 1050 before. I seriously cannot take any more out without taking key parts out so I’m going to keep it here. Now it’s a little over a page and a half which won’t stand out too much I’m sure. I highly doubt they will count how much more it is and I’m sure they won’t be concerned unless it’s over 2 pages.</p>
<p>Mine is more like 1 3/4.</p>
<p>Let me preface this by saying you should definitely follow whatever guidelines the Admissions office told you when you spoke with them. In my opinion, if you have something important to say, say it! One of the goals of any college essay is for the college to learn more about you. But remember, there are guidelines for a reason. If you have any questions about anything feel free to email us at <a href=“mailto:cuambassadors@cornell.edu”>cuambassadors@cornell.edu</a>, but it seems you have worked out your problem. </p>
<p>Thanks,
CU Ambassadors</p>
<hr>
<p>Cornell University Ambassadors
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
<a href=“mailto:cuambassadors@cornell.edu”>cuambassadors@cornell.edu</a></p>
<p>My essay doesn’t repeat a lot and I think it truly shows how I feel about the college so would it be looked down upon to have around 900 words like I do? If it will give me a disadvantage in the admission process then I will try harder to shorten it and take points things out. Thanks for the reply though.</p>