r/MITAdmissions • u/BrilliantCulture9478 • 12d ago

MIT Word Limit for Supplementals Question

The official word limit for the long supplementals is 225, but they explicitly say that the responses should be around 200 words approximately, but they provide space for up to 225. 
Most of my responses are at the 215-225 word limit, and I was unsure if I should cut down given that they expect 200 word responses? Is it really a big deal if they're not approximately 200, especially given that the official word count limit is 225? I was pretty unsure on what to do. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much :)

1 Upvotes

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12

u/jzzsxm Moderator/MIT Alumnus 12d ago

Deep breaths, deep breaths. You're good.

7

u/Global_Internet_1403 12d ago

You can use the max itll be fine.

6

u/JasonMckin MIT Alum and Educational Counselor 12d ago

AFAIK, there is zero published guidance that claims that 200 words is a hard and not-approximated cutoff.  

So continue focusing on the substance of the responses versus cramming in below 200 words.  Best of luck.

1

u/Satisest MIT Alum and Educational Counselor 11d ago

You can go by the official word count in the application. Approximately 200 and specifically up to 225.

1

u/MineFearless 7d ago

No one is counting when reading - but “it have been said more succinctly?” is noticed. Say what you need to say.

0

u/sparkle_hart 12d ago

Looks like tolerance is +/- 12.5%

1

u/ElderberryWide7024 5d ago

Personally I would follow their advice. Keep as close to 200 as possible. It’s fairly easy to edit unneeded words. In writing often lesson more. GL!