PS 700 words.. how strict? Forum

[nicksmyth]

university of washington says 700 words.. condensed as much as i want to and im at 850.. big deal or no big deal?

[Adjudicator]

The consensus is that following instructions on the application is a pretty big deal.

Personally I tinkered with my PS until it was exactly 700 words.

[Xnegd]

I sent them an e-mail asking about this about this, and they said to "limit my essay to no more then 700 words." and that was it.

I think they're pretty serious about it.

Edit: Though I remember someone else talked to them and told me they said it was fine as long as it was under two pages...so, take your risks as you please.

[WayBryson]

I feel you on this one. It took me about a week to get my PS edited down for them. I posted it under the example threads along side the full version if you want to get an idea for how to cut things down. Otherwise, I'd be happy to take a look at it for you. Good luck

[dakatz]

This two part answer should clarify your problem OP:

1. From the people in admissions of various schools that I spoke to about this, the limits are not terribly strict. They don't care if you go just a little bit above the limit, as long as its not really noticeable

2. That being said, this should NEVER be a problem for you, and here is why:
--If your essay is far beyond 700, then you will obviously need to shorten it and edit until it is very close to 700. And if you are close to 700, then you might as well just hit that limit. Trust me, you can ALWAYS find something else to cut out. I took a 3 page essay and made a 500 word version of the exact same story, and guess what: It was just as good if not better in the shorter form. So this should absolutely never be a problem. If it is too long, you need to shorten it to around the 700 word mark. And once you get close, you might as well hit the mark.

[edgarfigaro]

The real question you should be asking is, "Is my story special enough to break the rules?"

The answer, in all likelihood, is a definitive no.

I know I'm trying pretty hard to stay under two pages...brevity is always appreciated.

[Fender2210]

Pretend it's Twitter and you can't submit it if you go over the limit.

[Kiersten1985]

700 words means 700 words.

Get used to word limits - you'll constantly be facing them as a lawyer and judges are strict.

[MysticalWheel]

700 words means 700 words.

Get used to word limits - you'll constantly be facing them as a lawyer and judges are strict.

In 1920s Chicago teamster voice: "Yah! Sheeeeeeeeee?" But seriously, 700 words means 700 words max and no more.

MW

[Fender2210]

700 words means 700 words.

Get used to word limits - you'll constantly be facing them as a lawyer and judges are strict.

I hear law professors are more strict than judges.

[Adjudicator]

I found that I could cut down on my word count a lot by eliminating most adjectives.

They really aren't very necessary and often make it sound like you're trying too hard, anyway.

[mths]

university of washington says 700 words.. condensed as much as i want to and im at 850.. big deal or no big deal?

Try handing in a memo that's over the word limit, it won't go over well. Always follow instructions, you will be penalized if you don't.