<p>How the hell am I supposed to write a good essay in less than 300 words? I've got a great essay but it's 400 words. On the app it says "no more than 300 words" but the shaved down version sucks. Is it ok if I submit an essay that is longer that they asked for? Will I be penalized if I submit it as is?</p>
<p>You might be penalized. Your essay is currently 33% longer than they asked for . . . they may think you are not able to follow directions, or that you don’t care about the directions, or that you can’t write an effective essay in 300 words (while many of your peers can).</p>
<p>Well, your first concern should be that it doesn’t get cut off. I don’t think it’s set in stone and as long as it flows and is interesting, then it shouldn’t be too big of a deal. It’s not like they are going to count word by word.</p>
<p>If it says, “no more than 300,” I’d stick to 300. Maybe there’s a part of the essay that is interesting, but not really necessary? (I actually cut out like 500 of a 1600-word essay just by switching around my sentance structure.)</p>
<p>Some colleges let you slide by a little bit. UW gave me an extra 80 words when there was a 1000-word suggestion, but that’s less than 10%, and, like Got2BeGreen pointed out, you’re over by 33%. I’d try to cut out at least like 50-80 words.</p>
<p>Thanks guys. I’d still love to hear from someone in an admissions department to get their perspective.</p>
<p>Look through Dean J’s posts. I remember her mentioning it.</p>