<p>The common app says the limit is 500 words, BUT it fits up to 1000 words. Will I be hurt if my essay is about 800? True, it could be cut a little - maybe to 700. Anyways, I just wanted to know peoples thoughts on this, or if anyone who had an essay over 500 and was still succesful…
Thanks!</p>
<p>Cut it if you can, and if it will improve your essay (which it usually does).</p>
<p>Mine was about five words over 500 I think. I would suggest cutting it down to as close to 500 words as you can.</p>
<p>My common app essay was 815 words.</p>
<p>I was accepted. So I’d say if you can’t shorten it without hurting it, don’t.</p>
<p>My essay was also 800+ words (802, to be exact!), and I just received the “admitted student chat” email. 
If your essay is perfect the way it is, and fits within the limits, they aren’t going to run it through word count and “disqualify” it if it’s a word over 500.
Good luck on your application!</p>
<p>ok great! Thanks for everyone’s responses!</p>
<p>Gah!! And here I was struggling to get both of my essays down to 500 words. Some serious essayal quality was lost in the process (yes, “essayal” is not a word, I know that). haha ohh well, now I know better.</p>
<p>as long as you print preview before submitting, youll see exactly how everything is laid out as the adcom will see it</p>