Supplemental Essay Length?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Pepperdine University
1

<p>Hi all.</p>

<p>I'm currently working on my application for Pepperdine University. While I was completing my supplemental essay, I ran across something that caused me a bit of worry.</p>

<p>As I'm sure many other people have seen on the Common Application website by the form for Pepperdine's supplement:</p>

<p>"Please respond to the following question (500 words or less)"</p>

<p>My essay is 569 words. Is this a problem? I know that in my high school school when some teachers give a word count for a paper it is a firm limit, whereas for others it is more of a suggestion. I obviously don't know what the case is for Pepperdine though...</p>

<p>Anyone have knowledge on this issue? </p>

<p>Thanks! Pepperdine looks like a GREAT school!</p>

2

<p>One of the marks of a good writer is being able to edit your work down. :slight_smile: In the college application process, it is always best to follow directions precisely.</p>

<p>I am trying to remember whether the online Common App rejects essays that are too long. If not, 569 words would probably be okay. Find somebody (perhaps here on CC…there are probably threads about the Common App) who knows for sure.</p>

3

<p>If it says 500 max, I would not go over 500. Keep in mind that you do not want the admission official to grow tired while reading your essay - and then realizing that it did not fit the criteria. Thus, showing your inability to confirm your work to the posted rules.</p>

4

<p>It doesn’t let you submit an essay over the limit. I tried myself and no luck. Sorry man…</p>

5

<p>…Five years later :P</p>