28 words over. does it matter?

[big east boy]

GW's optional statement calls for 300 or less.  Not over by much (+28), so should I cut it down or does it not matter because adcomms dont care about personal statements and optional essays anyways.

[..........]

28 words is not significant in my opinion.  I wouldn't worry about it.  They won't notice.

[JeNeSaisLaw]

Talked to the GW adcomms about this last year. They don't count words and only really mean 1/2 of a page by 300 words.

This could be a good exercise in striking word surplusage, but don't kill yourself.

[Imperial Russian Stout!]

I'd follow the directions if I was you. 

Guaranteed there is something that can be chopped somewhere in your statement.

[Gone]

Following instructions and concise writing both fall into the category of good life skills.

That sentence, however, does not.