<p>I just finished writing my supplemental essay (the one about stereotypes). Originally, my essay was more persuasive and I was basically writing how stereotypes are bad, yada, yada. However, when I looked back at the directions, I realized it said that you have to make it more personal, so I revamped the essay and now it has a healthy balance of both my personal experiences with stereotypes and the point I was originally trying to make…except now, my essay is 475 words long instead of 300, the limit. </p>
<p>I noticed that under the directions, there was a line that said “hint! your file must be under <em>blank</em> (I can’t remember) kilobytes” or something like that. So, I’m wondering, does that mean your essay doesn’t have to exactly 300 words long as long as its under the size limit (mine is definitely under the size limit)? I was surprised that you upload a file rather than directly type into the text box which will physically limit the number of words you can enter. I definitely plan to further edit the essay down but I’m unsure that I will be abel to reach 300. Maybe like 400. Anyone know? Thanks.</p>
<p>The word count is just a guideline. Thee file size sets the true limit for the essay. But, going over the recommended length by more than 50% isn’t a great plan. Continue to work on your essay to make it closer to the 300 word suggested limit.</p>
<p>I’ve got a thousand applicants to evaluate, nine hundred of them are good candidates, and I’m only going to recommend 100 of them. Why wouldn’t I eliminate the one who doesn’t follow directions, or can’t count?</p>
<p>Thank you so much for responding! Down to 377 words! It is so hard, but I’m going to keep trying. See if I can afford to delete another paragraph.</p>
<p>OP, the colleges are pretty clear about what they expect re: word limits. e.g. Chicago says please be thoughtful but we will read whatever you send within reason. Amherst says “an essay of no more than 300 words”. I would take that as a limit not a guideline.</p>
<p>I’m actually gonna say to cut it down with caution. Concision is key to a good essay, but not if it makes your essay worse off than initially. If you decide to cut it, just make sure your essay doesn’t bleed too much.</p>
<p>FWIW, my friend last year wrote 954 words for his main Common App. essay and got into Columbia and UVA as a Jefferson Scholar finalist. I read his essay and it was phenomenal. Any shortening of his essay would’ve made it weaker.</p>
<p>If you’re essay is gonna be long, however, make sure it’s written very well.</p>
<p>I can confidently say that I feel that my essay is very good, which is not something I usually think. It is now down to 350 words but I’m really worried that cutting it down 50 more words will make it lose its “spirit” if that makes sense. I’m really trying hard to get it down to 330 so it’s only 10% more.</p>
<p>It’s 50 more words in an uploaded Word document. Do you honestly think they are gonna scrutinize over 50 words? Will they even tell the difference between 300 and 350? That’s only a few lines of words more.</p>
<p>I listened to an NPR segment on selective college admissions and the segment was on Amherst. The adcoms said they look for “je ne sais quoi” in their applicants, above everything else. If shortening your essay will make it lose its spirit, then I suggest don’t do it. You’ve done all you can, so I think it’s time to put your essay to rest.</p>