<p>I am applying to W&M for the regular decision round (in-state) and have completed my W&M supplement essay. The prompt asks for 500 words or less. The problem is that my essay is only ~280 words right now. I feel that the length is perfect. Every word is very meaningful and I don't want to dilute the quality of the essay by forcing in ~200 more words. It really does reveal a side of me that isn't reflected in the rest of my application, and I would love to submit it.</p>
<p>I have always heard that you should use the greatest amount of words possible in order to use every chance to tell the reader more about yourself. I have also heard that it makes you look lazy to submit too few words. </p>
<p>Would my supplementary essay be fine with its length? Or should I lengthen it? I would appreciate answers from anybody who has experience with the process! Thank you all!</p>
<p>Never ever ever force words into your essay. If you think it is perfect the way it is, don’t mess with it. It is better for it be a little on the short side than for you to mess it up just to add words.</p>
<p>There’s no need to add words simply to meet a word limit. If you feel your essay is good as it then submit it as is. There are shorter essays that are great. There are also shorter essays that seems like a half-effort when there’s little substance to them. If you feel your essay is substantive then it’s probably good to go.</p>
<p>I’ve got a question. I was browsing around youtube and saw there were video supplements for w&m but most of them were for ED. Can I still submit a video essay for RD through common app?</p>
<p>goblueorgohome, you can although submitting a video can be tricky. We cannot promise that we’ll be able to view your video while reading your application plus oftentimes if videos are submitted via DVD they aren’t formatted properly for our computers to read. If you do upload it online we ask that you make it private as we believe any part of your application should be confidential. We generally recommend that what you submit for your supplement be something you can upload through the Common App.</p>