<p>Two quick questions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>The essay I used for the Common App is 590 words. Is this acceptable for Columbia? Their word limit is somewhat vague, because of the "1-2 pages" addition...</p></li>
<li><p>I would like to clarify on two of my ECs in Additional Info. I think an explanation of the two activities is somewhat necessary, but I'm hesitant because they seem to specifically warn against submitting additional info.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>1) that’s fine. my essay was like 700 words, double spaced, and two pages long.
2) do you really need to elaborate?</p>
<ol>
<li>Do you know of any students who were accepted with essays of a similar length?</li>
<li>I think so; two of my ECs are fairly unique. If I did elaborate, it wouldn’t be more than two thirds of a page.</li>
</ol>
<p>Come on, anyone else?</p>
<p>I elaborated on my work experience because it was very unusual and seemed to necessitate further explanation.</p>
<ol>
<li>607</li>
<li>I used my Additional Info for an employer letter of recommendation, which I suppose counts as “elaborating on my work experiences”</li>
</ol>