Essay word limit question

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niraj_a: Legendary Member; Posts: 708; Joined: Sun Jun 01, 2008 4:59 amFollowed by: 1 member; Location: USA; Thanked: 13 times

by niraj_a » Sun Jan 04, 2009 4:37 pm

Lisa,

I am working on the Columbia essays and am reaching about 700 words on the two essays that have a recommended 500 word limit.

Is that a big problem? I am finding it hard to reduce the size.

Thanks!

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Stacy Blackman | Sun Jan 04, 2009 4:37 pm

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Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Mon Jan 05, 2009 3:09 pm

Dear niraj_a,

Schools that restrict essays to a page or word limit usually expect you to follow it. Some will not read past that limit, some have the online applications coded to not accept words/pages past that limit and others will see your disregard for instructions as evidence of bad judgment. I would suggest you find a way to cut down to 500 and perhaps asked a trusted colleague/friend if you are stuck.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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niraj_a: Legendary Member; Posts: 708; Joined: Sun Jun 01, 2008 4:59 amFollowed by: 1 member; Location: USA; Thanked: 13 times

by niraj_a » Tue Jan 06, 2009 6:01 am

Lisa,

Follow-up question:

Columbia's online form has practically unlimited essay writing space. I have not seen any language that professes a "maximum" word limit, just a "recommended" 500 word limit. That said and considering your advice, I will now try to get it as close to 500 as possible.

So, in your opinion, would going slightly over i.e. 520 or 550 be a no-no as well?

Thanks a bunch, your insight has always been helpful.

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GMAT/MBA Expert

Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Tue Jan 06, 2009 3:45 pm

I would suggest staying as close to 500 as possible. If you are between 500-550, it is probably ok.

Regards,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me

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