<p>Does anyone know if colleges are really serious about the 500 word limit?
Every essay I try to write comes out to more: the most is 800.</p>
<p>Help please =]</p>
<p>UGH I typed the title in wrong, sorry, it's late and I'm in a hurry!</p>
<p>Make it shorter if you can. 500 is not a word limit, just a recommended guideline, for most colleges.</p>
<p>If the college specifically states that it's a 500-word essay, then they're serious about it.</p>
<p>If you're talking about the common app essay, the rule of thumb is 400-600 words, but it's quality not quantity. If those 800 words are amazing, then adcoms won't care. If it's 800 words of fluff, it won't do you any good.</p>