Word Limits

[comebackkid]

Across the different forums one finds different advice from admission consultants regarding word limits for essays. In several forum posts by consultants I have read that when a word limit is specified applicants should not exceed the limit. I have also read forums posts by the same consultants that state it is acceptable to exceed word limits so long as the overage is less than 10% of the word limit.

So, is it acceptbale to exceed word limitations by a small number of words (ie: less than 10%) or not?

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear combackkid,

You need to stay within the word limit, just like you need to follow any other instructions or directions given by the school. There are some schools that will not read past the specified number of words or pages, so you will run a risk of not having the end of your essays read. More importantly though, not following directions will reflect negatively on you.

Regards,
Lisa