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<p>The application process is about following directions. I agree with baby. I would show respect to the school and play by their rules. IF they say do not exceed 500 words, then don’t exceed it. I can’t imagine an essay being compromised by removing 20 words. One of the toughest honors programs in this country asks for an essay that is under 300 words. I think it is far more impressive to write a strong 500 word essay than a strong 600 word essay, when and if 500 words is the limit. If you push it to 600 words, IMO, it is like having and extra 30 minutes on the SAT. (just an example)</p>