<p>Hi everyone, I'm currently working on a supplement for a specific school that's asking why I want to attend their university. It says 250 words, but I'm having a really hard time staying within that limit. If you have to upload a PDF of the essay--therefore they won't actually count the words unless they copy and paste it into something that does--does it have to be exactly 250? I know it's important to stay within the school's guidelines, but how many words over would still be considered acceptable?</p>
<p>It depends. 260 would probably be OK; 300 would not. That said, good writers know how to edit; there is probably some superfluous language in the essay that can easily be cut. Strong applicants can follow directions. If they ask for blue/black ink, that means green ink is not OK.</p>
<p>I would prefer keeping it within the 250 -word limit and not to count on any possible flexibility. Brevity is the soul of wit.</p>
<p>Thanks for the help! It’s at 280 words right now, so I’ll definitely work to cut it down.</p>