<p>For example, for an essay "no longer than 600 words", would it best for an essay to be in the 500-600 word range? Would it be alright if it's in the 600-650 range?</p>
<p>Try to stay under the limit. I doubt you’ll be penalized for going a couple of words over, but why take the risk? Is it that hard to cut down on 50 words?</p>
<p>In general, I’d say that if they request it to be “no longer than 600 words,” they’d like it to be . . . no more than 600 words :P</p>
<p>They don’t do a word count, so don’t worry about it.</p>
<p>The point of the word limit is just so admissions officers don’t need to go through novels from each applicant come review time.</p>
<p>Just keep it reasonable, alright?</p>