<p>I have an essay that I’d like to use for my Yale personal statement, but it’s rather long. It’s currently around 710 words. I know that the Yale supplement specifically asks for 500 words, but I feel that my essay is quite strong as it is, and any additional cuts would detract from it. So, my question is: will my application be tossed out simply because my essay is too long? If so, I guess I’ll use a different essay.</p>
<p>I agree with WriterColumbia, in principle, but here’s what I mean to say:</p>
<p>Read your essay. If every word feels necessary, then keep it as it is. </p>
<p>An essay is as long as it needs to be. If you have filler, cut it out; if you have repetition that doesn’t serve stylistically, cut it out; if you have anything that’s shown AND told, cut out the telling and leave the showing; if you have anything that’s just told, show it in fewer words. But, if you have a vivid, well-shown, well-written, well-paced essay, being 200 words over the limit won’t hurt.</p>