<p>The common app says the limit is 500 words, BUT it fits up to 1000 words. Will I be hurt if my essay is about 800? True, it could be cut a little - maybe to 700. Anyways, I just wanted to know peoples thoughts on this, or if anyone who had an essay over 500 and was still succesful...
Thanks!</p>
<p>Cut it if you can, and if it will improve your essay (which it usually does).</p>
<p>Mine was about five words over 500 I think. I would suggest cutting it down to as close to 500 words as you can.</p>
<p>My common app essay was 815 words.</p>
<p>I was accepted. So I'd say if you can't shorten it without hurting it, don't.</p>
<p>My essay was also 800+ words (802, to be exact!), and I just received the "admitted student chat" email. :) If your essay is perfect the way it is, and fits within the limits, they aren't going to run it through word count and "disqualify" it if it's a word over 500.
Good luck on your application!</p>
<p>ok great! Thanks for everyone's responses!</p>
<p>Gah!! And here I was struggling to get both of my essays down to 500 words. Some serious essayal quality was lost in the process (yes, "essayal" is not a word, I know that). haha ohh well, now I know better.</p>
<p>as long as you print preview before submitting, youll see exactly how everything is laid out as the adcom will see it</p>