AQA Lit NEA word limit

The word limit for the AQA English Literature coursework is 2500 words, and I have managed to prune mine down to 2711 (excluding bibliography, quotations, etc.).

I keep reading through my essay looking for sentences I could take out, but I have come to a point where removing anything else would upset the structure of my argument. According to the Examiner Report, there is no automatic penalty for exceeding the word limit but they expect students to work very closely to the recommended figure.

Does this mean that 2711 is fine? Is it worth risking losing the thread of my argument to get it down to 2500?

You make it sound like it's impossible to stick to the word limit. It isn't. You really need to rewrite it to get under the limit. It's not just about 'looking for sentences I can take out': it's about rewording sentences and ideas, looking for redundancy - being more concise.

Word limits do matter - if you're 10% over after extensive revision, then it's a good indication that it's too verbose and waffly and needs further revision.

You make it sound like it's impossible to stick to the word limit. It isn't. You really need to rewrite it to get under the limit. It's not just about 'looking for sentences I can take out': it's about rewording sentences and ideas, looking for redundancy - being more concise.

Word limits do matter - if you're 10% over after extensive revision, then it's a good indication that it's too verbose and waffly and needs further revision.