<p>I'm applying for the UNC RD deadline. I have an 800-word Common app essay that I was thinking of using for the "topic of your choice" option, but would UNC would down on my application if it was that much over 500 words? It's really hard to cut down my CA essay as it is a really solid essay. Should I just not bother and write a new 500-word essay?</p>
<p>Rule of essay writing: Don’t exceed 50 words over the recommended word count. Referencing this statement, I’d say that your writing is well beyond that (~150). You don’t have to begin anew. Ask for some peer editing…slicing it down will become easier then (even if it may possess a mute countenance at current).</p>
<p>Hopefully that will work so I don’t have to start over. Thanks!</p>
<p>I too was thinking of using my Common App main essay for this… but facing the same problem! Should I include parts of my essay as the “explanation” of why this essay defines me? Basically, I’m confused about what my explanation should look like…</p>
<p>Using parts of the essay in the explanation does seem like a good idea… but I’m sure admissions doesn’t want more than a paragraph for the explanation</p>
<p>^^ I am using only a paragraph from my main essay as the explanation… so I guess that would do :)</p>
<p>One of my friends wrote 1000 words and still got in, with honors, so it’s relative as long as you make your point. For those in state, read today’s News and Record, it talks about college apps</p>
<p>Was your friend out of state?</p>
<p>no, my friend was in state, and he ended up going to Emory though. He had a great application too.</p>