What happens when you go over the word limit on an essay?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>I sure they won't count the words to make sure the essay is 500 instead of 517, but what happens if your essay is in the 600 word area? How mad do admissions officers get when they receive a 1200 word essay out of nowhere?</p>

<p>I have one for another application that's supposed to be 250 words long, but it's currently at 524 (I was planning to use it for a common app essay initially).</p>

<p>I think the best thing to do is start over with a fresh perspective, keeping concision in mind. Thoughts?</p>

2

<p>um... i don't think they'll mind as long as it's not ridiculous, my common app essay is 570...</p>

3

<p>Student workers enter your essay into a computer, which counts the number of words. If the count is over the limit, the computer randomly deletes words until it is no longer above the limit. Your essay is then sent to your regional admissions officer.</p>

4

<p>i can't tell if you're joking or not, but that would be hilarious... not so much if it's true :p</p>

5

<p>They don't do that. Why the hell type it? You see, they have scanners which are much much more efficient. </p>

<p>Anywho...</p>

<p>If the essay is good, then word limit won't be held against you so much. If it's just something they've read before, they'll skim to look for the "good stuff."</p>

6

<p>when you go over the word limit...?! why, they REJECT YOU.</p>

<p>how DARE you assume they have time for your worthless and pathetic words! fool!</p>

<p>(jk.)</p>

7

<p>I spoke to a Harvard admissions person and she said that this year they are rejectign everyone with more than 520 words. That's fine for the OP though (just don't add 4 words!!). jk</p>

8

<p>As long as it's an effective and focused essay then you'll be fine. </p>

<p>BTW my common app essay was 700 words.</p>

9

<p>i think the word limit is just to give applicants a sense of whats needed, and WHATS NOT NEEDED. Of course there may be a couple of 1200ers but maybe they had a LOT to say about life, but id say just follow the norm and keep it between 400-600 words, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN READING A 500 WORD ESSAY AND A 600 WORD ESSAY IS LIKE 55 SECONDS.</p>

10

<p>What happens when you go over the word limit on an essay?</p>

<p>Instant death.</p>

11

<p>What happens?</p>

<p>The baby Jesus cries.</p>

<p>Now, you wouldn't want that, would you?</p>

12

<p>Mine's 850. Do whatever you think is best for your essay and your application. </p>

<p>Biz, only a second grader reads 100 words / minute.</p>

13

<p>Rule of thumb: when they say 500, keep it a page or under.</p>

14

<p>The common app page actually fits a ton of words. Mine fit fine and was nearing 900.</p>

15

<p>It won't hurt you to actually listen to what they ask for.</p>

16

<p>actually it would. it would hurt BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD.</p>

<p>lol.</p>

17

<p>My essay was something like 350. You are all too wordy. :P</p>

18

<p>and your life's too boring. jk :)</p>

19

<p>Mine was 825 words. Then my supplemental essay was 668.</p>

20

<p>I don't need five thousand words to not be boring. Want to read my essay? :)</p>