<p>One of my essays for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is 368 words when in the question they advise: In an essay of about 300 words...</p>
<p>I wonder if 68 words over is okay? How strict are these guidelines? One of my Georgetown essays which was supposed to be about a page was a page and 4 sentences over? Is that a killer?</p>
<p>I think you're OK on both of your essays. They just don't want someone sending them a novel. They don't have the time to read them, but I don't think they'll toss yours out because they are a bit over....especially if they say "about 300 words." If the wording is "300 words or less" or "no more than 300 words", they might be more nitpicky about it, but if your first 300 words are good, they may spend the extra minute to read the remaining 68. Good luck!!!!</p>