How strict is Cornell's 500 word limit?

mtustingore · 11-11-2012, 07:37 PM

Okay, so I just reduced my ILR application essay to 550 words and I'm trying to cut 50 more. How strict is Cornell's word limit? Does it have to be precisely 500 words, or is it okay if it's a little bit over (like 510 words).
Thanks

flyingeagle · 11-11-2012, 07:57 PM

I think 550 is more than fine. I've seen an ILR essay a little over 900 words that was accepted and my essay to Human Ecology was around 900 too, they told me (at HumEc) that it was fine to go over.

mtustingore · 11-11-2012, 08:40 PM

Thanks! I was having difficulty cutting it down anymore without destroying the essence of the essay. I'll probably just go over it one more time in a few days.

flyingeagle · 11-11-2012, 08:53 PM

Yeah same happened with mine haha I wrote a lot though and couldn't get it under 900...

cortana431 · 11-12-2012, 01:52 PM

You're fine, my essay for CoE was a little under 600 words and I still got in; the word limit isn't that strict unless you're just adding unnecessary details.

Lelyke · 11-13-2012, 03:40 AM

My essays were almost 800 although not ILR