<p>i went all the way over the limit and I got in.</p>
<p>I personally wouldnt go over the limit, but that's MY personal philosophy - show that you can follow directions and do a stellar job at it. I'm sure if you're only slightly over you're fine, I think more than 100 over is clearly pushing it- they don't need to count words to judge length and to many words clearly looks longer...</p>
<p>Ideally, showing that "you can follow directions and do a stellar job at it" is a much better strategy, and one I had fully intended to implement before I wrote my essay. I just didn't manage it. Can't really justify it.</p>
<p>Also, this may or may not be relevant, but in the one application I sent, a short essay describing extracurriculars/awards, etc. was required. From what I've read, many college apps require such short essays or paragraphs, yet it seems to be a fairly common practice to include a separate, much lengthier resume/EC chart. I feel that if people do this and get away with it, a far-too-long personal essay doesn't seem like quite as big a deal. (I compacted my ECs into that short essay form, and it wasn't as though they weren't substantial.)</p>