<p>I am currently working on a supplement essay. I think it turned out really well, but the problem is that it's about 590 words, and the recommended length from the prompt is "about 500" words. I know that mine is really too long, although the maximum the Common App system will accept is 650 words. Do you think it will impact my chances if I submit an essay that's too long by that amount? If so, how much do you think it should be cut down before it's acceptable? I could probably reduce it to 560 or so, but after that it would really be quite difficult. Thanks!</p>
<p>You are just confusing me by throwing the common application word count into the equation. Does that have anything to do with your essay and the recommended length of ‘about 500’ words?</p>
<p>I think you can likely edit it, you just need to be ruthless and squeeze out any excess lines, paragraphs, words that aren’t necessary. Watch for unnecessary adverbs. Or is your concept really to large for the prompt, in which case you need to rethink it. If you must, I don’t think you will get denied over 560.</p>
<p>If the prompt says ‘about 500’ and the software allows you up to 650 words (which is what your post seems to say), then do your best editing and if you are happy with the essay at 560 you should be just fine. When you hit “submit”, you will be able to preview the essay in pdf to see exactly what the admissions committees will see. Then you can close the pdf and keep editing (if, for example, your essay has been cut off by the common app because it exceeds the word count).</p>