<p>My long essay which is the 7th option- the one where you can choose any other essay you have written is my common app essay which is 600 words. And I really can't cut it down. Do you think going over by a 100 words is fine?</p>
<p>Mine was around 550. I think you're probably ok if you're sure that the extra length is necessary.</p>
<p>i would cut out anything that you could</p>
<p>Try to cut it down or do another essay. My son had called the NJ rep last year and he said they really don't want you to go over by too many words.</p>
<p>I think that you need to trim it under 700. On they're application it says ABOUT 500 words. So i would say + or - 75 words. 500 words is a 3/4 a page single spaced. Whereas 700 is 1 and 1/3 page. So that would be a noticeable difference. </p>
<p>For my common app essay I originally had written it at 1400 words.
I cut it down to 1000. That was still too much.
SO I started over. Rewrote the same topic at 500.
Then I combined the two for a 700.
Shortening can be done. And sometimes it turns out better.
But I would start now being that the deadline is Monday.</p>
<p>Thanks! I did cut it down- It was a flash of brilliance! It is 530 words now.</p>