boblives84
For some reason, I still can't seem to save a copy, even after downloading the version you guys mentioned (apparently the downloaded pdf should have an "extended" functionality, which mine doesn't seem to exhibit). Have written to INSEAD now, let's see what they say.
Boblives84, try this thing, once you have downloaded Adobe Reader 11, download the fresh(empty) pdf essay templates off INSEAD Application again, and open them with Adobe Reader 11, now copy and paste your essay text from old versions to new ones and save it, the word count should now be updated properly as well.
It worked for me, the reason was that existing essay pdfs functionality gets written off once tried to save it with some other software such as Preview for mac.
Hope it helps.