<p>Even though the Common App says to write an essay between 250 and 500 words, it will not cut you off at the 500-word mark. This means that it is possible to go over the limit. I'm sure the readers will know exactly what a 500 word essay looks like, so they will be able to spot those people who disobeyed the instructions. </p>
<p>How bad do you think it looks to write an essay that goes a little bit over? Right now, my essay is at 540 words, and I have no idea what more to cut. Do you think that it will be a major negative to be over by 40 words? Or do you think the 250-500 is more of a guideline?</p>