My essay is over the word limit--- what do I do?

I am applying for the University of Miami, and the personal essay section asks for a 300-400 word essay. However, mine is 590 words. I really can't cut anything out without losing significance, or worse, losing sense, and so I am lost on what to do. The submit box does not have a character limit, and so it fits in there. Should I go ahead and submit, or what?

Have you posted it here?
I bet people can find things to chop out.

I think that's way too much over the word limit.
If you can't get it down to 500 words or less, it's too long.
If you can't cut anything out, I suggest rewriting it or taking a good hard look at the essay.

If I get it down to around 520, is it safe to submit?

if colleges give you a word limit... STICK TO THE WORD LIMIT.

My dad is really good friends with a couple of college readers and they all say that when a prospective student goes over the word limit, immediately they question the student's ability to follow instructions.

Post it on here. I'm sure some of the many intelligent minds on here can help you out.

ahhh, what if it's like ten or twenty words over the limit, is that okay?

& I really think you should cut it down even more to 400-450 words.

You should really stick to the limit, it's there for a reason.

Like all of the other posts, you should put a copy up on this forum and let us take a look at it.

Remove any wordy or unnecessary phrases, and keep the most important parts of the essay. Remember, they realize that you cannot tell your whole life's story in 300-400 words.

GOOD LUCK!

Yes, it is good to meet their challenge and get it under the limit. Sometimes you can get rid of an adjective that you think is important, and you'll see that it is better without it!

Imagine, writing in the fewest words possible... like the way a very wise person talks.