<p>How strictly is the 500 word limit on the main common app essay for harvard viewed? Is it absolutely set in stone or can we go over that limit (say 300-400 words over?)</p>
<p>And following up on that question, what about the supplemental essay? I didn't see any word limit on the instructions for that, so what would be the max reasonable length for that?</p>
<p>thanks in advance...</p>
<p>they usually give word limits for a reason, 300-400 words above the limit is a great deal higher than what they expect, i would really try to shorten</p>
<p>my personal statement was about 700 words and my optional essay was over 1000 words. My short answers were each 2 paragraphs and definitely would not have fit into the space provided. in other words, they don't care about word limits in of themselves. while you can write long essays, make sure that your essay is CONCISE. Only go past 500 words if it's really really worth it. Every part of the essay should be crucial to the essay and really contribute something interesting. That's the most important part, not the word limit.</p>
<p>I got into Harvard EA, plus Stanford and MIT regular, in case you were wondering whether my advice is valid.</p>
<p>Oh, that's very good. I'll still try to trim some "fat" but it's good to hear that there are ppl who got accepted with lengthy essays.</p>
<p>i dunno, i dont want to be the kid who couldnt follow simple directions...</p>
<p>What about formating? Should I double space 12pt Times New Roman Font?</p>
<p>The guy I talked to for Princeton applications yesterday said not to double space them because they mess up when you send them online.</p>
<p>If you're sending by mail, that sounds fine. But the common app single spaces, so maybe they don't like a lot of paper.</p>
<p>Regarding length: it really depends on how well-written it is. 1000 words of a drab style will send the adcoms to sleep. 1000 words of an intelligent, enthralling piece will get you in (as I'm assuming PhoenixRSI's was). My essay would fall flat if it was over 500 because the subject is very intense. It's your judgement call.</p>