How many words can we go over on the community essay?

It says the essay should be “approximately 250 words.” Obviously I need to stay around 250, but how much over can we go? Thanks.

I have no idea, but my kid went like 15-20 over and his counselor (OOS school that sends a few to Mich every year) said not to change it. Seems like you ought to be able to finish a thought with a few extra words without being punished but I don’t know.

Max is 300. It’s done for a reason.