<p>My common application essay is 624 words long. On the common prompt it has a parenthetical note saying the essays should be (250-500) words long, is this just a suggestion? has anyone heard of or personally written an essay that was about 600 words? My essay is kind of fun and brisk and not very sluggish without ANY repitition, so I don't think it would be THAT big of a deal, but im just stressing about it a lil bit. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>you should not go over the limit...they are trying to see how well you can write concisely...don't do it.</p>
<p>Go at it with a huge pair of metaphorical scissors. Look at every word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph and ask yourself, is this COMPLETELY necessary? Is there a way I could say this more concisely? Be brutal. It's like killing your own children but it needs to be done.
Mine was around 515, pared down from 700. It's OK if it's over the limit but the less so, the better.</p>
<p>I had to cut down a 400 word essay I wrote to a 150 word essay (paragraph, even!) Cut the deadwood, and you have it, trust me.</p>