How to Write Great Admissions Essays: Step 9

(This is Part 9 of series on the Veritas Prep Blog, introducing our readers to our proven 10-step process for writing great admissions essays. Check back often for more admissions essay tips!)

Step 9: Manage the Word Limit
Nothing strikes fear into the heart of an applicant like a word limit. It is an imposing number whether you are trying to reach the limit, or, more likely, trying to stay under that magic threshold. It confines your expression and suggests that whatever needs to be said can be done so in the exact amount of space allotted. Do not let the word limit intimidate you—like every aspect of an application process, what can easily be construed as a hurdle is merely an opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Targeted, refined writing will allow you to convey more with less and use the word count to your advantage.

The following is a five-pronged method for handling the challenges of a word limit:

1. Write with clarity and brevity. As discussed in Step 4 ("Diversify your style"), you want to create a mix of simple, compound and complex sentences, but the backbone of your essay should be simple sentences that convey points in a concise manner.


2. Practice. As stated in Step 2, practicing is the best way to hone your skills and master the art of saying more with less. The more you write, the more adept you will become at finding a better way to state your idea and the words will melt away.


3. Respectfully push the limit. If the word limit is 600 words and you have a perfect essay at 608 words, do not revise it simply to get under the count. Programs will usually allow you about 10 percent of the designated word count as a buffer zone, so feel free to go over by just a bit. That said, do not push the envelope and exceed the limit by more than that 10 percent because readers will notice. Once they notice, they will either be frustrated by the extra work it takes to read the essay or insulted by your lack of respect for the guidelines, neither of which are good outcomes for you.


4. Pay attention to flow. There is nothing more obvious or underwhelming than an essay that has clearly been chopped down to fit under a word limit. If you are 100 words over the limit on a 600-word essay, then you need to revise the entire essay. Do not simply lop off a paragraph or a sentence here and there or eliminate examples and transition words—stripping your work of its style and grace is not the solution. The best course of action is to first revise all cumbersome and wordy sentences and see where that leaves you. If you are still over the designated word limit, go back to the drawing board and execute an entirely new essay.


5. Seek evaluation. Veritas Prep clients are perfectly situated to manage their word limits effectively given the expert evaluation techniques and skills utilized by their consultants. Having a trained eye look at your work is the surest way to trim the fat and boil down your ideas and concepts to their most precise and effective form. If you start with an essay that is within 15% of the word limit, your consultant can help you boil it down the rest of the way.

Stay tuned for the last step, in which we'll show you some tips for revising your essays and making them perfect. In the meantime, if you need help with your MBA admissions essays or personal statements immediately, give us a call at 800-925-7737 and talk to one of our admissions experts. And, as always, be sure to follow us on Twitter!