pleatedtongue

The common application states that the essay word count should range between 250-500. My essay is at a 601 word count, but it does not exceed the 6000 character limit. Would admissions officers dock points (or whatever it is they dock) off for this? How much would it affect my application?

Aspen D

Look at what it looks like with 500 words. They know what that looks like. If it looks over.......they'll notice. If they're having a bad day or sic kof reading apps....they'll notice. It's not illegal or whatev....but the 6000 char limti allows for spacing...larger words....etc. Not let me stick in a longer essay.

sweetdream

You should try to stick to the limit as much as possible.

Lakshya M

I guess colleges will still read the excess and prolly not dock any points for a longer essay, but it doesn't look good on your part to be exceeding and not following directions.

lacrimedellaluna

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...