<p>The long essay is said to be only 250-500 words. Can I put 550-560? I know some schools don't care, but I'm applying to the Ivies via the common app.</p>
<p>my essay is 599 words.. what should i do?</p>
<p>That's probably a little too much. Generally I would say don't go over more than 10% of the total word count: meaning at the most 550 words.</p>
<p>People on the Harvard forum are submitting up to 1000 words. I think it's excessive, but it is not unknown.</p>
<p>Yeah, the character cap on the common app allows you to put a lot more than 500 words. Thanks everyone. My word count is 567, that should be fine.</p>
<p>Mine is 586, and I can't cut it anymore (started at 1200).</p>