<p>The supplement states that the essay should be 300 words. Is 411 words too much...I think that I will otherwise have to write on a new topic because every word seems to be necessary. (actually i cut it down from 742!)</p>
<p>Stangely enough though the supplementary essay says around 300 words,
but if you check the common app text-paste-in character limit you will see
it is aroundn 7000 characters- way more than a 300 word average. I think
anything under 500 should be decent as long as you follow the main instruction to single space it?</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>ok thanks!</p>
<p>When I went to the info session they said "cut, cut, cut" so that your essay isn't too long. Another poster said that basically if you edit your essay the chances are it's going to be better; I would agree unless your essay is like the next great American novel and if you cut any more words its subtle beauty and style will be diminished...or something. </p>
<p>Quick answer: Have your GC (if you have a good one) read it over, and see what he/she says. You don't want to bore the Pton people, but you don't want your essay to be lacking.</p>
<p>So is 500 words ok for an essay that says "around 300?"</p>
<p>No way. It should be around 300. Trust me, if you cut it down more, it will be better.</p>