<p>I just finished my Princeton essay after working like a lunatic three nights and radically changing it a couple of times. I can finally say I am pleased with it but there's one tiny teeny problem. I exceeded the 500-word limit. By.... 187 words. I know I should probably cut it down but I'm never too eager to delete portions of essays after I've finished them because I think that affects the way they flow. So I'm rather torn between rewriting the whole thing and sending it like this.
I'm applying on paper so I doubt they will count the words but still, 687 is rather noticeable, isn't it? Do you think it will ruin my chances?</p>
<p>Try to cut it down, but if what you have is critical to the essay and can’t be removed then go for it. I believe the supplement said “around 500 words” and usually there’s about 10% leeway for word counts for these types of things.</p>