Hi, I know I may sound like an absolute idiot but as I have read through these forums, I have found that this website is a quite safe place to ask questions that may reveal my idiotic behavior (joking, but seriously). Okay so I am a senior in highschool and I am submitting all of my college applications right now. I submitted my essay on Coalition for FSU and realized, as I was reading through the admissions page, that I exceeded the essay limit way, way overboard. So overboard that I am embarrassed to say. I had mistakenly read the 550 word count limit and thought it said that was the MINIMUM. I know, with this amount of stupidity, I doubt I’ll be able to get into any university, right? Anyways, I was wondering, is there any way you can edit your application after it has been officially submitted? Also, I believe FSU wants you to submit your essay on their website as well as Coalition. So can I just shorten the essay and submit the revised one there? It’s fine if there’s no way I can fix this problem, I guess. FSU isn’t my first option but I definitely wouldn’t want to be denied because of my rather lengthy essay. Thank you in advance for any help that may be given.
Also, if this helps, the essay isn’t just a bunch of bragging about awards and such. It’s about an experience that has shaped my life/my character, so maybe, if I can’t fix it, they’ll read through it all…?
I’m suprised the entire thing uploaded. With many sites, if you’re over their word count, you’ll see in the window that your submission has been refused, or has been cut off at the limit (mid-sentence, perhaps.) Or a warning will pop up.
Have you emailed admissions and ironed it out with them? In the meantime, edit your essay down to the maximum. Be prepared to email the shorter version.
In my experience cutting usually improves writing, so it may be a gift as long as you’re not after the deadline.
Yes I have emailed admissions and asked if they would take the revised version I submit on their website instead of Coalition. I revised it last night to 500 words (had to get it down to 2500 characters for UF) so when/if I get a reply at least I can immediately send it in.
You did the right thing by emailing the admissions office. If you don’t hear back, I might go one step further and give them a call. I would let them know that you made an honest mistake and say that you’re seeking to rectify it. Admissions offices are swamped right now, so there’s a chance you might not hear back.
Here’s the problem. Going over the suggested word limit is a pretty large infraction, even if it’s only by a few words. Some AdComs might toss the essay on principle, while others will be more lenient. The limits are guideposts intended to keep you within a certain boundary. That being said, if your essay is fantastic–if it grips the reader from the first line and takes them on a journey through a formative experience in your life–then the AdCom might be more willing to overlook the mistake.
Hope this helps! Message me if you have any further questions.
Ime, not a “pretty large infraction” and I highly doubt it would be tossed as an ornery high school teacher might do.
The real issue is if the college set a max count on its own download software. That could be 550, 570, 600…we have no idea. If your whole got through, no idea if they read it all, past about 550.
Yes, the impression isn’t good. But sounds like you’re doing the triage you can. You can also call. Be apologetic, but balanced when in touch with them. Collect your thoughts. Make the right impression now.
You are not the first.
Keep us posted.
Hi guys- thanks for your help. So I emailed the lady who is over admissions for freshman and she emailed me back pretty quickly- the next day. She said it wasn’t a problem and I could just submit another essay before the applications were due. So I did that and I think everything is fine now!