<p>The common app essay says 250-500 words. My essay is currently (exactly) 900 words, after being cut down from like 950. I really don't want to cut it more, because I feel it would take away from the meaning. </p>
<p>Now the common app essay text box also says maximum of 6000 characters allowed. Mine's only 5082 characters. (So I guess I use really short words..?) </p>
<p>Should I try to cut it down further, or maybe just a little, or should it be fine? (I don't know if anybody has experience or anything, but I plan to apply to Cornell Early Decision.) Thakns</p>
<p>I would definitely recommend that you cut it down, b/c schools will most likely look away when your word count is 550 but when your toppling 900 it's the same as saying that your unable to follow directions.</p>
<p>Cut it down. My first draft of my essay was around 800 words. I got it down to a little under 500. You can do it. Any sentence that is not completely necessary, erase. If you used a wordy phrase, simplify. There might even be a whole paragraph that is unnecessary... you never know.</p>
<p>Last year my English teacher told us to use words as if it were spending money, and you wanted to spend as little as possible. Concise writing is good.</p>
<p>Pokeman, my sentiments lean toward what Tonyt88 states. </p>
<p>Here's the problem... in applying ED to Cornell, you MUST use the Common App, and likely you will be using the Common App to apply to other schools as well. Unfortunately, while some schools do not mind if you go over the 250-500 word guideline, some schools DO mind. (I have even heard adcoms remark that this is the first test of an applicant's attention toward details, i.e., suggested essay length.) You risk the chance that you are making a bad impression with adcoms at one or more of your chosen colleges.</p>
<p>Here is what the Common App suggests:</p>
<p>"Please note: Colleges have set specific limits as to the length of your essay. If you need extra space for any part of the application, including the essay, simply go to the last part of the application and include any additional information in the "Additional Information/Explanation" section. If you still need more room, contact the college directly to ask how to best forward any additional information."</p>
<p>You could always call the admissions dept and ask, but in general, not following directions on an application is a no no. (What? This kid can't even follow directions....)</p>
<p>don't cut it down. redo it. cutting something down that's already in mold is just going to make it horribly deformed. start fresh... new concept, perhaps? new focus, new organization? something that won't tempt you into being so wordy. i've been working on a novel for a few years now... so i know it hurts =\, but trust me - do it, you'll love your new (and limit-obeying) essay.</p>
<p>it's not just a direction thing. it's also a reflection on your abilities to write concise essays. =) while i disagree that concise writing is always good (i've read brilliant lengthy works - cien a</p>
<p>Yeah, I think we should try cutting down the number of words. But listen: if you have done your utmost but your essays still transcend the limit, there's no point in fretting, for I have seen several seniors in my highschool got a seat in Ivies and selective institutions with even 1100 words essays :)</p>