<p>It's just under 500 words (supposed to be 250-500). My short answer is also just under the 150-word maximum required. </p>
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<p>To the original poster: A well-written, carefully crafted essay just shy of the 500 word limit is fine. In fact, it is probably preferrable to trying to add words needlessly to bring the essay up to the maximum word length. As long as you have said everything you needed to say, you shouldn't worry about being a little short of the maximum.</p>
<p>I've read many essays from various students over the past few years, and the ones that seem to work best (at least in my eyes as a writer) are the ones that are succinct and to the point. Go for it!</p>