<p>I’m doing the LMU essay, which suggests 500-1,000 words. I am at 491 words right now, and I plan to either leave it at 491 words or maybe add another line to get it to just over 500 words. The problem is I feel like I have said everything I want to say. Will it hurt if my essay is 491 words or like 503 words?</p>
<p>If it is well written, and comes across as a well thought out and completely fleshed out essay, you can be a bit over or under. However, if it seems as if the writer were lazy, or the idea not fully explored, the short length could count against you. From what I was told, they do not use word counts. They simply judge the overall student (essay included) for how good of a fit to the school they are.</p>