In most cases: Yes! By a little.
Except in cases where it’s not.
Last week we talked about whether it’s OK for your essay to be underlimit, and when you saw that, you were probably all, “Gee thanks EssaySnark but that is not the problem I have.”
Let’s dig into some scenarios when overlimit is fine, and what “overlimit” actually means in the context of your MBA essays.
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Wrestling with word count can actually be kinda fun — because if you’re at that stage, then it must mean your essay is done! It’s just longer than acceptable, so you’re playing a game with yourself to be more concise, more clear, more spare with your writing. It’s a bit of an art. Can you say the same thing in fewer words?
It’s probably not what you want to be doing when the deadline is staring you in the face later that day, but it’s a worthwhile revision exercise to go through — tackle it only when you’re fresh, and thinking well. Don’t do it when tired, and leave time for one final proofread session well after.
Bottom line is yes, word counts are somewhat flexible, in some cases, if you have good reason to stray over. As with all things with your apps, be strategic and thoughtful. If your essay is amazing, you won’t be rejected if it goes a little bit long. (Provided they let you.)
Tell us what you think.