SOP Word limit "guideline"

Graduate School
1

<p>So for a program I am applying to there is a 500 word limit guideline. However, I did email and ask if it's acceptable to exceed that guideline. They said that the 500 word limit is a guideline and that I can go over.</p>

<p>I'm currently at 640 words. I've gone through multiple edits to make it more compact, but the last few attempts, I couldn't reduce it anymore. I know I was told I can go over, but there becomes a time where you're pushing the limit. </p>

<p>Yes, I do believe I included necessary information with no extraneous info.</p>

<p>Do you guys think 640 words is pushing it?</p>

2

<p>500 is pretty low for graduate applications. Ultimately, all I can say is that if you do not honestly think you can cut it down any more, then submit it as is. Personally, I would try to at least get below 600.</p>

3

<p>Even 640 should be OK. I think that they want to avoid seeing 5 pages of text without any editing.</p>