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Essay Word Limits

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Essay Word Limits

by comebackkid » Wed Apr 01, 2009 1:53 pm
The Stanford GSB strictly limits the total word count for its application essays to 1800 words. The GSB uses language such as "cannot exceed" and "do not exceed" in reference to their total word limit.

My essays are at 1854 words. I find that I degrade the specificity and, hence, strength of my essays when I reduce word count to <= 1800.

Please advise.
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by Lisa Anderson » Thu Apr 02, 2009 6:42 am
Dear comebackkid,

While I understand your hesitation in making further edits, you do need to get your word count under 1800. If a school specifies a word or page limit, and you exceed that limit, then you run a risk of appearing to be an applicant who can't follow directions and/or that the admissions committee will not read beyond the word/page limit. Regardless, you will be viewed negatively. Perhaps you have a trusted friend that could take a look and suggest some edits? You are so close to the limit--you should really try and get there.

Good luck,
Lisa
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