| On the common app website FAQ it specifically states:
"The 250-500 word limit is a guideline, and colleges do not count words. They do not mind if it is slightly longer/shorter, and value quality over quantity.
College admissions officers are far more concerned that the essay is well written, proofread (not just spell-checked), well thought-out, etc. Do not get caught up in the “micro” (words, spacing, font size, color of ink). They are looking for the “macro”: does the student write well and what can they learn about this person from his/her essay?"
So, don't worry so much about it! Try to adhere to the guidline as much as possible, but going slightly over the suggested word limit is far better than sacrificing meaning or having a truncated argument. If you can get it to around 550 words or so, that would look much better. I managed to cut my essays from over 700 words to ~520. If you really feel that you can't shorten it from 600 though, then don't do it... |