How strict are word counts?

Question

would it be awful if an essay which was supposed to be 10-1200 words was only 8200 (i have factored ion the 10% leway!!!)

Answer 1

usually within 10% is the general rule but best checking with the tutor.

Answer 2

Generally you SHOULD stay within the 10% margins, but most markers will give u a little bit more leeway.

If you are below the word limit they will usually mark it anyway, but it will obviously go against you - if they ask for a certain amount of words, it usually means you can't write a decent essay on the topic if you are well below

Answer 3

some places are stricter than others.

Most students have problems cutting things down t fit the word count so if  your essay is below are you sure you have covered the topic in enough detail?

Answer 4

It generally depends on the individual establishment, sometimes even on the person marking it. To be safe I would always be within the 10% either side.

Answer 5

Your question is missing a zero. I presume you mean 12000?

So yes, your tolerance would be 9000 min or 13200max, with a 10% leeway either side.

8200 is a bit under IMO

Answer 6

Just write some additional characters in "WHITE" so when they select all the text to do a word count, they wont notice you have short-lettered them

:P