Is it ok to exceeed the recommended length of words on college application essay?

"A little more space" does not mean slightly more than 150% of the recommended maximum! That's unacceptable for a final submission but perfectly OK as a working draft. As a general rule, someone applying to college straight out of high school with no extraordinary circumstances to explain (e.g., how that concussion made you miss half a semester and that's why your grades took a dive but you're completely healed now) has no business exceeding the recommended word length. Unless that's you, assume that any draft that goes over 1000 words still needs work. Keep going back, trimming it down and cleaning it up. After each revision, ask yourself whether it's the tightest, most pared-down essay you are capable of writing that still answers the question they're asking. When the answer is yes, you're done - regardless of length.

It's OKAY to be a bit over the word limit. (Eg. 1600/1500) However, I would try not to have double (or close to double) that amount. Try rephrasing your essay a bit, eliminating unnecessary words/phrases/paragraphs. Be concise. It's like a girl's skirt: Long enough that it covers what it needs to, but short enough to still make it interesting.

Keep it close to 1,000. Show you can follow directions and be concise. It's like sending someone a 3 page resume- they will stop reading and put you aside.....good luck getting in!

I wouldn't go over 1000 words. Be concise.