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For the personal essay on the National Merit Scholarship, about how much do you think is appropriate for going over 500 words? I think I'm around 550.

By Jwtullis (Jwtullis) on Monday, September 13, 2004 - 12:31 am: Edit

I hesitate to say that you should be fine. I believe I remember (and this is why I hesitate, cuz I'm not entirely certain I remember correctly) mine being near 600 words, although it was typed in like 10 pt. font and the edges were cut off the paper to make it fit on the app. But, anyway, just considering that the essay is simply a way for them to get to know you better, I feel it's highly unlikely that they'll scrutinize too much over an issue like 50 words, unless the application has some specific limit, which I'm assuming it doesn't.

This is just my experience with NM, so I hope it helps. Good luck.

By Mjcps (Mjcps) on Monday, September 13, 2004 - 08:28 am: Edit

D's essay was 541 words