<p>So on the Common App Personal Statement, I entered 609 words (4500 characters), in contrast to the 500 word limit. It fits beautifully in the print preview, but does this look bad to the universities that I'm going 100 words over the limit? (Same with the extracurricular essay of 150 words max. I fit in 199 no problem) Please advise me!</p>
<p>Mine was about 650 words.. o_o; It let me, so I don't think it's a big deal. It's not following the rules precisely, but I've heard people say they got into NYU and others with longer essays..</p>
<p>How would the Ivy League look upon such overlengthy essays, do you think?</p>
<p>If it fits the character limit, it's probably fine...</p>
<p>it's fine guys chill</p>
<p>it should be fine as long as it fits in print preview. Mines about the same size. Plus have you seen those college application essays book? Some of the sample essays were as long as a book (exaggeration but you get the point)</p>
<p>It probably depends on which university, and the quality of the writing.</p>
<p>There isn't a limit on the Common App, besides 6,000 characters. It just suggests about 250-500 words...</p>
<p>I went 120 words over the limit and got into Cornell, so I think it is really more of a guideline.</p>
<p>They want to see that you can write succintly. If your essays will make or break your app.....do not juggle the guideline too much.</p>
<p>yeah, my essay is 800 words - lol. I went over the box and added the rest into my "additonal info". is that too much? should I try cutting more? but I feel like if I cut more, I'm losing the 'essense' of the essay... :(</p>