For those people looking to make their 3ds files a certain amount of verticies:
Convert your text to an editable mesh (already described here)
Then apply an optimise modifier (Max 6 only I think, but not sure)
Then use the lower field in the rollout of optimse until the bottom numbers in the panel meet your requirements (for some objects you will need a high number to see any change). I'm in work atm, but I can provide a more detailed explanation if needed once I get in.
Using optimise you can always get the amount of vertex you want on any shape, note that it will change your shape if it is too complex to start with.
Also note you can skip the invert faces if you apply a normal modifier in max too (flip normals)