Word Count?

College Essays
1

Forgive me for asking the same question that’s probably been asked over and over. But I’m just wondering if going over the word count is something terrible; one of my essays calls for 250 words and mine’s currently 307. I’m still in the process of cutting down words, and I want to keep all the big ideas.

It’s a Stanford essay, though, and my friend has advised me to stick strictly to the word count for selective schools because “they’ll have so many applicants that they might chuck your essay if you overstep one of their rules.” Is this true? And what is the recommendation for going over the word count (i.e. 10%? 20%?)

2

Stick to it, period.

3

Right. It’s typically a hard limit. Some apps will cut you off, mid sentence, at the limit.

4

Absolutely don’t go over

5

less is more. I’m sure there are words you can cut out that will not only let you get it under the count, but make it a more effective essay as well.

6

These schools will be looking for a reason to cut you. Not following the essay instructions will be a perfect excuse to throw you into the reject pile, along with 95% of the applicants.

7

Don’t go over – the challenge is to write something meaningful within a tight word count.