<p>It truly depends on the quality of your writing. I’ve read some essays that were 900 words that you just couldn’t put down because they were so good. On the other hand, I’ve read 300 word essays that were painful. </p>
<p>As a general rule, students start a college essay with too much exposition. I’ve read many essays where it’s better if you delete the first paragraph and start the essay with what was your 2nd paragraph. College essays sometimes read much better this way as it creates mystery, and grabs the reader’s attention, so they want to continue reading.</p>
<p>That said, this essay is 500 words and get’s the point across: <a href=“http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/29/education/college-application-essay-as-haiku-for-some-500-words-isnt-enough.html[/url]”>http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/29/education/college-application-essay-as-haiku-for-some-500-words-isnt-enough.html</a></p>
<p>If you feel 550 words is your absolute best version, then submit that.</p>