<p>Everyone's always saying that you should try to cut it at 500 words but I haven't come across any essays of that length in the Successful Harvard essays book. In fact, the average is around 750.</p>
<p>Any suggestions?</p>
<p>If you asked admissions this question, I am sure their answer would be to follow the instructions. D had two, one 500 and one 600. I don’t recall which was common ap and which was harvard optional, but both met the guidelines.</p>
<p>Obviously, that book is showing you that if your essay if right, then the extended length will not matter. Also, be aware those essays in the book were from people willing to share their essays with the public, they might reflect a very small sub group of the application pool and their essays may not represent the essays of admitted students as a whole. D never would allow her essays public. Same with her boyfriend. I’m not sure that they had even shared theirs with each other, though I know they have discussed the content.</p>
<p>Thank you for the insight!</p>