Verified answer

Yes, it would. When they set a max. number of words, they mean it. In this case I would try to eep it under 325, 350 is pushing it. 450 is WAY too much. Keeping it that many words could have them not regard your application as highly, could cause them not to even read your essay, or do something that some pofesors do- only read the essay until it's their desired length (like if they say 2page and you write 4, they may only read and grade the first 2). If you're lucky enough to have none of these hapen, you'll really annoy the people who read it. Work with your current english teacher to edit.

I agree with the previous poster. 200-300 words is usually a one page paper...wheras 450 would be getting into 2 pages.

Try to cut out as much stuff as you can, without losing the meaning behind your essay. Ask friends, teachers, relatives to read it and figure out if you can get it down to the word max.

I don't think they will frown upon you being in the 400 word range, as long as it is well written and is concise enough to show that you narrowed everything down possible.

Yes! Remember, each application and its associated essay takes time to read through. They won't count the number of words, but they might just not even read the essay if it looks a lot longer, there is a good chance it will be passed over.