<p>I tried to search for topic but didn’t find any responses. I chose to write my own topic for the transfer essay and ended up coming out to 681 words which I just can’t seem to edit any down shorter. Everyone who has read it has said it is perfect and I should submit. Does anyone know how strict they are on the 500 word limit? Will I be penalized for going over?</p>
<p>Thanks :)</p>
<p>500 means 499, 498, and 497 are acceptable. 501 is not.</p>
<p>Why would I accept an applicant who can’t follow directions when I can accept one who can?</p>
<p>So anyone who went over 500 words on their essay is automatically rejected? That is rather strict. Guess I’ll continue rewriting until I can get down to that number, thanks.</p>
<p>I didn’t say anything of the sort. You asked if you’d be penalized. I wouldn’t have a clue. But I know if I were an admissions officer, I most definitely would. Why should I give you an unfair advantage over applicants who show that they can read?</p>
<p>I have been on hiring committees. If an applicant didn’t follow the directions but somehow made it to the interview stage, my first question would be why I should trust the applicant to follow directions once in the job? </p>
<p>In this particular case, what I would likely do is consider the first 500 words of the essay and ignore the rest.</p>
<p>Kulakai,
In my experience with essay writing in general, you should stick the suggested length. They probably aren’t going to check the length of your essay UNLESS they think it seems too long. Keep in mind the admissions officers read a lot of 500 word essays - they probably are going to notice while reading yours that it seems long. </p>
<p>Now if you have let’s say… 505 words, I wouldn’t be worried. But 681? Keep editing.</p>