<p>How strict is UIUC with respect to word count limits on the essays? I know some other schools don't mind going 20-30 words over, but I want to be safe.</p>
<p>I went about 75 words over on one of them. I emailed the office and the person said they don’t count words, but you shouldn’t be long-winded.</p>
<p>A little over won’t hurt you except be aware that most who go over the limit are usually mistaken that they cannot get it done within the limit.</p>