Is it a big deal to go UNDER the word limit?

<p>All of my friends have like 550-word essays, and I'm guessing that most applicants will have essays near the word limit. I, on the other hand, have a ~450 word essay and I can't really think about anything else to add. Is it that big of a deal to have an essay that's greater than or equal to 50 words below the limit? </p>

<p>Also, I'm looking for feedback on it too, so can anyone WHO HAS ALREADY BEEN THROUGH THE COLLEGE APP PROCESS (in other words, no HS kids!) read my essay and offer some feedback? Post that you'll read it below, and I'll PM it. Thanks!</p>

<p>quality over quantity</p>