<p>I believe one of my essays was well over 300 words but it looked like “half of a page.” I was accepted. If they were strict about the 250 words, I think they would put something along the lines of a “maximum of 250 words” like many schools do. The half page remark appears as blatant leniency to me. If you can cut it down, go for it, if not, leave it in.</p>