<p>I wrote an outstanding essay with NYU in mind but I just completely lost track of how long it was and it turned out to be 623 words.</p>
<p>and as it stands, NYU states to make the essay "approximately" 400-500 words. Is this just a guideline or is it to be taken seriously?</p>
<p>Also, cutting it down would just be so hard to do.</p>
<p>I've had so many people read over it and it's in a very finalized state. </p>
<p>Would it be seen as a failure to read directions if I send it in as it is?</p>
<p>Mine was about the same length and I was in the same position as you - there was nothing else to cut. I didn't do it online so really I was able to write as much as I wanted. I just sent it in, as they're not going to actually count the words. 120 words over is noticeable (i think...), but it's only like a small paragraph. </p>
<p>But I haven't been accepted yet or anything, so I'm curious as to what others think about being 120 words over....</p>
<p>I'm wondering the same thing, on the supplement they have a section of questions limited to 750 characters and i was stupid and read it as 750 words. I wrote one of the essays and i put alot of effort into it and think it is really good and dont want to cut it down, so i am not sure what to do</p>
<p>If NYU was really serious about the "400-500" words, then they would've had limited the maximum number of characters you can type in....but that's not the case and you can actually make your essay as long as you want....so i think if you go over like 100 words then it's fine.</p>
<p>but I don't know, i made my essay really long, like around 1000 words, which is very very excessive. the admission officers will probably get annoyed but whatever...i'm just gonna turn it in anyway..</p>
<p>mine was like 605 and i got in ED....meh. if you REALLY can't cut it down any more, then go for it. but make sure every word is meaningful.</p>