<p>I know that some schools are extremely strict on the word limit, and don't even allow one word over the limit. </p>
<p>How is going over the limit looked upon by the admissions staff at ND? My current essay, after revising once is about 580 words, and I the limit is 400~500 words for the ND essay. </p>
<p>Hopefully, they believe in the quality, not quantity approach...</p>
<p>i am in the same boat. I doubt that going over 100-150 words will be a big issue. Try to keep it at least in the 600 range. Most colleges told me they don't want it to be more than 2-2.5 pages double space
with 12 font times new roman. Working on revision #2 as we speak, then revision #3 tomorrow after my English teacher takes a look.</p>
<p>I painfully cut 400 words out xD </p>
<p>Hopefully my essay is still coherent...is there any official representative from ND that can answer the question?</p>
<p>ok, the rule of thumb is +- 15% of word limit.</p>
<p>I don't believe there's any word count policing going on or anything, that would result in disqualifying an app. </p>
<p>That being said, I think courtesy is an issue here. In the business world, it is considered inappropriate to send a three-page business letter in situations where a one or two page letter will suffice. Same holds true of a cover letter to a proposal or a resume. </p>
<p>Another thing to bear in mind is that word limits lead to word efficiency. When forced to adhere to a limit, a writer, by necessity, makes every word count more. </p>
<p>In sum, while I don't think an application will be thrown out of the pile for being 506 words long, it is in the best interests of the applicant to force him or herself to adhere to the limit, because in doing so, the essay is made all the more powerful.</p>
<p>don't worry...the admissions counselors aren't out to count words. Just make sure your thoughts are clear and that you shine through! The word limit is just to make sure that admissions isn't swamped with 8-page essays, but they also don't want 3 sentences. If you need a little more wordage to clarify your points or finish or story, they won't whack you for it. Good luck!</p>
<p>i emailed admissons and he said this:</p>
<p>Also, in regards to your other email, it’s fine if you go a little ways over the 500 word limit as long as your essay is still about 3 pages long. Anything longer than that could probably use some editing.</p>
<p>then i asked 3 pages in 12 font double spaced? and he said: </p>
<p>That’s the standard format (and the one I refer to when I mention “3 pages”) but certainly feel free to use whatever format you so choose. It sounds obvious to state that but some students use various fonts to accentuate their essay.</p>
<p>hmmm... this same question was asked during the ND visit to my school.</p>
<p>the rep said that the norm is about 3 pages double spaced.... and he said that he doesnt care about the word count.... but if he gets bored while reading the essay and it just seems to keep going and going and going.... then it needs editing........he said that a good guidling is 1.5 pages to 3 pages</p>
<p>Son's essay was 1.5 pages, DS. I think chillin is correct in that you need to think about whether all the extra fluff of 3+ pages is worth it. Admissions has to read a lot of essays and if the essay does keep going and going, it will be likely a boring read. By the way, son was an EA admit.</p>
<p>"brevity is the.."</p>
<p>Annoying AD COMs not a good idea, in large schools they are literally reading many 1000's of essays</p>