<p>How much can it count against you if your essay on the Common App were just slightly over the limit of 500 words (say, by 50 words or so)? Is the limit firm, or merely a firm recommendation?</p>
<p>550 is perfect ly alright.</p>
<p>What about 600? 630? When does "all right" generally become "too long?"</p>
<p>I'd say keep it below 600, 550-ish. If it looks like it's too long (and you might want an experienced English or History teacher to look at it :p) then I guess it's too long.</p>