I kept within the 1,800 limit. I wouldn't think about which methods they use to check, but that the website says "Your answers for all of the essay questions cannot exceed 1,800 words" - so stick to it?
For anyone having issues with the word limit, I recommend George Orwell's Politics and the English Language (quick Google brings it up - I can't post any URLs) - my undergraduate tutor refused to read any essays we wrote until we have applied the rules in here and spent a day cutting our essays down.
I think it's a lot of words - most people are fine with essays 1 and 2 within the limit. Remember that the two essay 3s are supposed to be short and punchy rather than the longer leadership discourses of the other schools.
My take on a couple of things that sets Stanford apart:
- Customisable curriculum: New curriculum started in 2006 based on personal experiences of each student
- Focus on soft skills: Leadership labs, Interpersonal dynamics, CAT
- Smaller class, more intimate environment, Sections of 60 people and even smaller groups for CAT, etc.
- Global requirement (GMIX / Global Study or Service Trip)
- Strength in social entrepreneurship / Public Management certificate
- Entrepreneurship (location, high % of graduating class starting own businesses)