<p>How strict are the word limits on the Common app? 500 for essay and 150 for short answer - how many words over the limit is TOO many?</p>
<p>1 page single-spaced for the 500 essay and 1/2 page single-spaced for the 150 should be fine.</p>
<p>ok thanks. i just don't want them to think i'm trying to gain an "unfair advantage" or something by making it a few words longer...</p>