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Exceeding Word Limit on the Essays

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by vineeshp » Sun Nov 27, 2011 7:17 pm
I've heard that it is best to stick to the given word limit.
( I guess it also shows the adcom your ability to present information in the manner they seek.)

But if you have to really exceed to present your views right, you can go up by a few. But again 5-10 words max. 13% looks too much to me.
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Just telling you what I know and think. I am not the expert. :)
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by arpita@gurome » Sun Nov 27, 2011 8:37 pm
Exceeding the word limit is not a good idea. For schools that have a "suggested" word limit, you can exceed the word limit by about 10%, but not for other schools. The word limit tests you on how succintly and coherently you can present your ideas. :)
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by Jon@Admissionado » Tue Nov 29, 2011 5:04 am
Rule of thumb: 10% is okay in most cases. But be selective about it. Only go higher if you need (or if it's just a couple of words), and try to do it for only some of the essays.

But if you are over, don't worry about it. I've have yet to see a strong candidate be turned away because they gave in one essay that was 12% over the limit, rather than 9%.
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by Kaneisha Grayson » Tue Dec 06, 2011 1:22 pm
Hello! Jon is right about the 10% rule in that it won't hurt your application if you are already a strong candidate. I'm a perfectionist though, so I never have clients submit essays that are even one word over the word limit. I find that in squeezing those last 20 words out, the essays often get clearer and even better. But yes, going over the word limit a little bit won't hurt you. Sticking to it could help you though.
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