I’m confused as to the importance of keeping within the word limit.
For the 500 word essay I’ve been doing, my rough-rough-rough draft I just did is around 750 words long. Now, I know I probably should cut this down. But would 600 be too many? Heck, would 750 be too many (given that it’s concise and it’s something that I honestly feel cannot be cut down)?
How do colleges view this? Do they not care as long as it’s not too out of control, or are they rather harsh towards those who blatantly ignore the proposed limits?
<p>600 isn't too bad. You need to cut down 750. Trust me, you can cut it down. Take out adjectives. Reread it. I bet you'll figure out there are unnecessary parts.</p>
<p>The admissions officers read hundreds of essays each year. In doing so, just like any timed event, they can naturally pick out the length of their written material to a close estimate, depending of the writing style. </p>
<p>While 600 may seem a bit long, they would feel that it is in the ball park. Adding 20% of 500 words is not too much. </p>
<p>But adding 50% more to your essay (750 words) would stick out and make it obvious to the admin that is is over the length. While they will probably finish the essay, their respect for you will be decreased, and whatever positive impact the essay would have will be lessened.</p>