Essay length - should I abide by this?

When a college places a limit on the essay (250 words) should I abide by this? It seems others on this web site are so much longer for UCF (the limit is supposed to be 250 words). I saw one as long as 653 words! What is your advice?

My advice is to play by the rules and limit your response to the word limit. Many boards will not even look at texts that are over the limit.

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com

Thank you so much!

Hi

I slightly disagree with Gloria,

Essay that might be in the range of 2000 often require comprehensive discussion that might take you slightly over the limit (e.g.2400-2450). If you have something important to say do not sacrifice it for the sake of the extra words written. Your tutor will appreciate your ideas and from my experience there is 'some' flexibility.

Good luck

J

Good afternoon James.

Please reread through the original post; this is not an essay for a "tutor" or a normal course essay in which one could probably get away with going over a word count. This is for a college admissions board. In instances such as these dealing with a large amount of essays, even in cases such as government grants and such, many members will not even look at an essay that is not within their limits.

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com