How Long Should Your College Application Essay Be

The 2019-20 version of the  Common Application has an essay length limit of 650 words. Even though the personal essay prompts  change regularly, the maximum word count tends to stay the same. This length resulted from many colleges feeling that the 500 word limit of 2011-2013 was a little too short. Keep in mind that even colleges who dont use the Common Application have clearly defined length limits for essays. Learn how important this word limit is and how to make the most of your 650 words. How Strict Is the Limit? Many wonder whether they can go over the limit, even if only by a few words. What if you feel that you need more space to communicate all of your ideas clearly? 650 words is not a lot of space in which to convey your personality, passions, and writing ability to the people in admissions offices—and the title and any explanatory notes are also included in this limit. The holistic admissions processes of most schools prove that colleges really do want to get to know the person behind your test scores and grades. Since the essay is one of the best places for showcasing who you are, is it worth it to go over? Most experts recommend adhering to the limit. The Common Application will even prompt its applicants if they exceed the word count to prevent them from going over. Most admissions officers have stated that, while they will read all essays in their entirety, they are less inclined to feel that essays over 650 accomplish what they set out to do. In short: any of the prompts can and should be answered in 650 words or fewer. Choosing the Right Length If everything from 250 to 650 words is fair game, what length is best? Some counselors advise students to keep their essays on the shorter end but not all colleges place the most value in succinctness. The personal essay is the most powerful tool at your disposal for showing readers your personality without meeting them. If youve chosen a focus that reveals something meaningful about you, youre probably going to need more than 250 words to provide the makings of an effective essay. However, it isnt essential to hit the 650 mark, either. From the Admissions Desk There is no need to meet the full word count [650] if the essay captures what the student would like to share. Visually, you want to make sure the essay looks complete and robust. As a general rule, I would suggest the essay be between 500-650 words.–Valerie Marchand WelshDirector of College Counseling, The Baldwin SchoolFormer Associate Dean of Admissions, University of Pennsylvania The level of detail should make the decision of length for you. Some of the Common App essay prompts require much more detail and illustration than the others, such as option 1 about your identity, while others, such as option 6 about losing track of time, require you to answer multiple separate questions and be as concise as possible for each. In general, the length of an essay does not determine its effectiveness. If you have answered the prompt in its entirety and feel proud of your work, there is no need to stress about any particular word count. Do not pad your essay with filler content and tautologies to stretch it out or leave important sections out in the interest of keeping it brief. Why You Shouldnt Go Over the Essay Length Limit Some colleges will allow you to exceed the limit set by the Common Application, but you should avoid writing more than 650 words in all cases for the following reasons: College students adhere to guidelines: If a professor assigns a five-page paper, they dont want a 10-page paper and you dont have 55 minutes to take 50-minute exams. The message that you send to a college when you write a powerful essay in 650 words or fewer, even when they accept longer submissions, is that you can succeed under any conditions.Essays that are too long can leave a negative impression: Essays over 650 may make you appear over-confident. The word counts have been established by experts for a reason and writing more than you are allowed might make it seem like you think what you have to say is more important than other applicants, who have to follow the rules. Avoid seeming self-important by stopping yourself from going overboard.Good writers know how to edit and cut: Any college writing professor would tell you that most essays become stronger when they are trimmed. There are almost always words, sentences, and even entire paragraphs that dont contribute to an essay an d can be omitted. As you revise any essay you write, ask yourself which parts help you to make your point and which get in the way—everything else can go. Use these 9 style tips to tighten up your language. College admissions officers will read essays that are too long but may consider them to be rambling, unfocused, or poorly-edited. Remember that your essay is one of many and your readers will wonder why yours is longer when it doesnt need to be.