How to interpret essay word count?

Generally it's considered good form to come within 10% +/- of the recommended word count. The closer the better, but they will not fault you if you are within the 10 percent rule in general. One strategy would be to make sure that if you go over on some, at least don't go over on all the essays.

I've heard different versions of this... some say 10% max and others say don't risk it. Me personally... I'm not going to risk it... to me those extra couples of sentences won't give me that edge... i'll figure out a way to make it work within the requirements.

Good point--although it's definitely school specific. You should ask around for the particular schools you are targeting to see what their historic stance is. If you don't know any alumni, you can always call and ask the admissions office to get them to weigh in on going a bit over. I know that Harvard, for example, appreciates adherance to the word limits. There are some other schools a bit more loose.

yeah i never really understood that... I mean if they allow you to go over 10% lets say the question is 500 words... why not just make it a hard cut off at 550 words?

but to reiterate... i think your best option is to call the schools