<p>I have the essay written, but I’m having trouble shortening it to 500 words while still retaining fluency and meaning. How strict are they about word count? If I have around 600 words, will that annoy/anger the admissions people?</p>
<p>remove 20 words,…</p>
<p>I’ve always heard the 110% rule. Never go more than 10% over the original word restriction. I’m sure you can cut out at least 50 words of deadwood.</p>
<p>I’d try to get it down. If you’re really struggling with paring it down, try making sentences more concise. One fewer word in this sentence or that, combining words or slightly reconfiguring a sentence, it can drop the word count significantly.</p>
<p>110% rule is crap. I was 150 words over for both my essays, and my admissions officer said she liked my essays.</p>
<p>I would say this: if your essay is over 500 words but it is completely engrossing…that’s fine. </p>
<p>It only becomes a problem if the essay is over the 500-word length and is incredibly boring; trust me, some readers are not going to be very patient or happy. </p>
<p>Obviously, this doesn’t give you license to write a novel. Just use good judgment. If it takes you 700 words to write an extremely good essay, then go for it. Just make sure every word means something.</p>