Essay Question

[fruitytooties]

I've started to make final drafts for my essays to send to USAFA. However, one of my essays seem to be a tad too long. The first essay which is from 250-300 words, I'm at 313 words. should there 13 words alarm me, or do you think the Academy will be fine with this. I'm well below the 3000 character count.
Any Advice

Thanks, Fruity

 

[Christcorp]

Rule #1 about the military academies and the military in general: "Follow the RULES".

If it says 250-300 words and not more than 3000 characters; then that's what it means. It doesn't mean 301 words and under 3000 characters. It doesn't mean 299 words and 3001 characters. It means; 250-300 words and no more than 3000 characters. (Or whatever it says).

Did you ever think that part of the application process might include how well a person follows instructions, attention to detail (Spelling, grammar, punctuations, etc.)? This is the military. They are use to saying JUMP; and you replying HOW HIGH? If the coach says BUNT, you BUNT. You don't aim for the fence.

 

[Pima]

CC is correct. It shows them that you can follow directions.

I remember when DS was applying to ND (they have people like ALOs), the question was asked what if I go over by even a word is that okay. They flat out said, that the essay is reviewed by a board, they have someone on the admissions committee that inputs the essay, when the count it hits 300, they stop and that is what you are reviewed on. They compared to your SAT written part, you don't have unlimited pages.

Nobody here sits on the board, but you need to say to your self what if they have that happening? Do you want to risk it for 13 words?

 

[ZoomingFalcon]

Sometimes that can be deceiving. 3000 characters is WAY higher than 300 words and people sometimes have diffuculty understanding which one to follow.

There were a few people on the CollegeConfidential forums that said to follow one over the other, as long as you followed at least ONE of them.