So, on the Common App, we all know that the word limit for the essay is 500 words. Is it alright to go over that limit? If so, by how much, do you think?
I wrote a good 600+ word essay, and I know that it definitely needs some trimming, but by how many words? Should I cut 50? The full 100? In other words, how strict are colleges about the word limit?
<p>i had the same problem, and my essay is 650 and apparently it fits with more than enough space. does anyone else agree?</p>
<p>Mine's 620 words and I'm not shortening it anymore. It used to be 1000 words for my first draft!</p>
<p>okay for paper, but not so online</p>
<p>I know it was pointless, but I was very excited on the UC apps to use the exact amount of words. :-) As far as I understand you should try to keep it within 20 words over or under. Having it a full 100 words over does seem to be a bit too long. I would reccommend going back and cutting some of it out.</p>
<p>Hmm, I'm submitting my apps online, so I guess shortening the essay would be a good idea.</p>
<p>Any other opinions?</p>
<p>If you read it and it seems to drag on, shorten it, but if it is good and shortening would take away from it, don't. I have seen people who got in with 800+ essays. I don't they were doing common app though. Just do what does justice for the essay. Don't worry about the words.</p>
<p>I'd definitely cut it to no more than 20 or so words over 500. Admissions officials get annoyed if applicants don't try to hold to the word count. For one, it's a direct disregard of the app's instructions. Secondly, they have to read thousands of essays and 100 words over is relatively hefty. </p>
<p>allena- that's nice that you were excited about the UC word count. I hated it myself, but that is partially because I read it wrong. =) Honestly though, "essays can be above or under the word count- for example, 202 or 199." <em>rolls eyes</em></p>