Length Cap for Essays: Important???

Applying to College
1

<p>For example, for the common app, there's a section that says to </p>

<p>"describe your most meaningful extracurricular/work/whatever activity" and asks "why is it the most meaningful?"</p>

<p>"150 words or less"</p>

<p>Now, is "150 words or less" terms for submitting the application, or can you go over??</p>

<p>Question: is 50 words over acceptable??
what about like 30???
(pretend it can't be shortened without ripping the heart out)</p>

<p>BTW what's the intro supposed to be like or whatver with these short ones?</p>

2

<p>Thats the point.. If it is 30 words to long but cant be made shorter then dont try and cut it out.. I have heard about the 10% rule but I think as long as it is interesting and flows than 50 words over wont kill you... just make sure it all sends on the print previw. I think all my essays aer over by at least 30 words, </p>

<p>Would you rather read a short choppy essay or a descriptive one that flows.</p>

3

<p>But at the same time, try to keep it as concise as possible. I think a short, well written essay is better than a long one that 'flows.'</p>

<p>This became apparent to me when I was writing and then reading my own essays at like 11:30 PM.... for the past two nights. I was tired and bored of just writing essays, much like admissions officers must be of reading boring and long essays. I tried to keep my essays as short as possible (usually several words below the limit) but also interesting. I think that works best.</p>

4

<p>150 words or fewer? lol, jk</p>

<p>I think if you need a few extra words it's fine. Just don't go crazy.</p>