<p>One of my "brief" essays turned out to be 500 words! and I dont think I can shorten it, should I just send it in?</p>
<p>And another question, can I attach a full essay (500 words) to the short answer part of the common app?</p>
<p>I advise against it. I did the exact two things and got deferred :D</p>
<p>Uhhhh... at least you got deferred! I can't change it now. I'm so screwed!</p>
<p>I have sent one not brief essay... to JHU. I will tell you in april, if it was good idea ;).</p>
<p>If it says write a short essay of about 250 words, then describes a long essay as 500 words, you are taking a risk by trying to pass off a 500 word long essay as a short 250 word essay. You'd better just cut down the words. Maybe they won't be strict with you, but it doesn't make a good impression - if an applicant can't even follow simple instructions to write a 250 word essay, why should they think the applicant is intelligent enough to be admitted to The Top Ivy?</p>
<p>The Pton adcom who came to Arizona said its ok to go over a bit, but try to keep it to no more than 50-100 words over.</p>