3underscore
It is all about making an impression. For me, I find working strictly to a word count results in my essays being punchier. Word count is a part of my editing process - most of the time I can cut 10% from my standard text. If I want then, I can add more. What is always true is that after that cut it reads better.
and how is that?! there is no co-relation between sticking to a word-limit and an essay being punchier...notice that i mention just "sticking to a word limit".
Anyways, i think this discussion has already gone too long and too far...since it started with essays for MIT...let me just mention (as i had earlier, in another thread on this forum)...in one of the information sessions, i personally asked Jon McLaughlin (from Sloan) about the importance of adhering to the word limit. This is what he had to say:
"Think of your essays to be a meeting with an important client. If the meeting had been set for 30 minutes and it goes on for 33 then it's not a problem. If it lingers on to 40 minutes or more then thats bad. Word limit is not a line in the stone which can not be crossed but should be used more as a guideline"
HTH