<p>It is less than 6000 characters though so it fits in that box. I can't write a 500 word essay.... it is beyond my ability to do so. </p>
<p>And I'm applying to Sarah Lawrence, Lewis & Clark, and Sweet Briar, schools that want long essays.</p>
<p>BUT American wants an essay NO LONGER than 500 words for their regular application.</p>
<p>And I'm not going to write them a new essay. I think my current one is good enough.</p>
<p>SO... what should I do?</p>
<p>Cut it drastically. The whole point is to see if you can write well while being concise.</p>
<p>Remember in grade school having points taken off for "didn't follow directions"? Welcome to the college version. If following the directions is "beyond your ability", then perhaps re-think the schools you're applying to.</p>
<p>Besides, admissions folks don't want to read 900 words from 20,000 applicants.</p>
<p>I haven't written any essays yet. But at WUSTL the during a visit the admissions folks suggested that if your essay is over 500 words to send them a separate copy. Because the file they get from the common app folks the essays were truncated at 500 words. So if you do not send them a copy of your entire essay, they will only see the part from the common app folks.</p>