<p>My Why Emory? essay was about 700 words after I finished writing it. Then, I read on Common App that they want them to be max 250 words. I've gotten it down to 297 and have no clue what else to cut. Is this a big deal? The application is a PDF, so do they really count the words?</p>
<p>Any input? Thanks!</p>
<p>I read on NY Times that colleges used word limits to see if people could write concisely and follow directions. While going over won’t kill your chances, I think it is in your best interests to at least get it within 10% of the limit. I forgot how it was worded, so I can’t tell you how strict the limit is (if it says max 250, I’d stay under 250). </p>
<p>Honestly though, just use contractions, hyphens, rearrange, take out unnecessary words, etc. More often than not, you can make your writing crisper. If you feel that every single word holds its weight, and you don’t want to cut without losing substance, then don’t. I consider that the “last resort” though. </p>
<p>Also, while it is a PDF, one can just highlight for a word count, and in your case, just tell by the length of the essay.</p>
<p>Thank you for your input. I’m trying to rearrange sentences now.</p>
<p>got in with a 300 word why emory. Don’t fret.</p>
<p>I was accepted ED1. My “Why Emory” essay was 650 words and my optional essay was 557 words. Like heybails, I originally missed the word limit and started writing. Then I saw the word limit and tried to rewrite my essays. They just did not translate very well to the shorter version even after trying to eliminate extra words and other edits. I was really worried about what to do. I contacted my “hired” college counselor and she said if it will upload send the longer essays.</p>
<p>I decided to risk it. Knowing that some colleges were really serious about their character limits to the point where you could not write any more in the space, this was not the case with Emory. I remembered that months ago, I could not even start to write my “Why Emory” essay with any original thoughts. Now I was struggling to edit my long “Why Emory” essay. I wanted to tell Emory all the reasons why I want to attend, so it was evident I had done my research and knew I would be a great student for Emory. </p>
<p>While I agree with DRose2012 that there are reasons for word limits. I am such a rule follower, and this is really out of character for me to bend the rules. In this case, I decided to follow my heart and let Emory know all the reasons why I wanted to attend. I hoped they would be so impressed with my writing and reasons, they would not stop reading after the word limit. Thankfully it worked out and I was accepted.</p>
<p>Again as a general rule, I agree with DRose2012 not to go over the limits, but if you can upload more than the limit there must be some flexibility to go a few words over. Good luck and write your “Why Emory” from the heart.</p>
<p>The first question is: Will it upload corectly? If not, you have a problem …</p>
<p>If it loads and you are a little over, I wouldn’t worry about it. </p>
<p>If you are a lot over, the question is whether the extra length will aggravate the admissions reader (who already has a lot of reading). I’d say that depends on what you have done to eliminate the surplusage.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry…I got in ED1 and my “Why Emory” essay was longer than 250 word-it was about 500 words.</p>