How bad is going over the word limit ?

College Essays
1

<p>Hey I am writing a college essay to a university and the essay is over 500 words.....How bad is that? Do they see that you wrote more than 500 words and ding you???</p>

<p>I have so much to write....I cant just fit it all in 500 words of a special interest I have......
Thanks</p>

2

<p>Very bad, don’t do it. The limit is there for a reason, it wouldn’t be fair to the applicants who observe it for them to let it slide for you. Edit your essay down to 500 words.</p>

3

<p>The limit isn’t necessary a maximum, but it is a guideline, and you should stay pretty near that mark.</p>