How many words over the word limit is acceptable?

College Essays
1

<p>I just started my UIUC essays today. They want all essays to be 300 words or less.</p>

<p>I typed up a draft, which was actually quite good, hit word count, and got 336. Then I screwed around with it and tried to make it shorter (and better), 331. Then I got mad and deleted a bunch of stuff, but then it didn't sound right. It actually sounded quite terrible. And it was still at 312.</p>

<p>Are they going to be mad if I have 330 words in a 300 max word essay?</p>

<p>How many words over is typically okay?</p>

2

<p>It really depends on how strict the school is about that. Many schools have recommended word limits which are just kind of a guideline. If the college wants an essay 300 words or less, I think it’s better to stick to it.</p>