Can your college essay be over 650 words?

No. Do not go over the maximum word count. If there isn't a preferred word count, you should submit an essay that's under 650 words, according to the college application platform Common App, which works with over 900 colleges in the US [1]. Admissions officers are looking for well-written essays that follow directions.

Can my college essay be 700 words?

Most college application portals specify a word count range for your essay, and you should stay within 10% of the upper limit. If no word count is specified, we advise keeping your essay between 400 and 600 words. You should aim to stay under the specified limit to show you can follow directions and write concisely.

Is 650 words a lot for an essay?

Rarely will you see a word limit higher than around 650 words (over one single-spaced page). College essays are usually pretty short: between 150 and 650 words. Admissions officers have to read a lot of them, after all! Weigh your words carefully, because they are limited!

Can I go over the word limit on college essays?

We recommend your essays stay within 20-30 words of the limit if you're over in draft form, but it's fine to play with the extra space while drafting. Paying strict attention to your word count while writing can limit your creativity, but you should be tangentially aware of it.

Is 750 words too long for a college essay?

If you don't write the Common App essay, or if you write additional essays, note that most college essays set word limits around 500-750 words. In the rare case that no word limit is specified, most experts recommend staying under 800 words.

Your College Essay Didn't Get You Accepted, You're Just Rich

Can my college essay be 800 words?

In your first draft, don't worry about a fancy opening or ending, and don't worry (within reason) about length. For example, if you're writing a Common App personal statement, and your first draft ends up being 800 or 900 words, you're fine. You'll have to cut eventually.

Can a college essay be 900 words?

Even if you aren't filling out the Common App, most college essays set word limits around 500-750 words. In the rare case there is no established word limit, most experts recommend not exceeding 900 words for a college essay.

How long is a 650 word essay?

How Many Pages Is a 650 Word Essay or Paper? A 650 words essay will be 1.3 pages single-spaced or 2.6 pages double-spaced.

What to do if my college essay is too long?

How long does it take to write a 650 word essay?

Writing 650 words will take about 16.3 minutes for the average writer typing on a keyboard and 32.5 minutes for handwriting. However, if the content needs to include in-depth research, links, citations, or graphics such as for a blog article or high school essay, the length can grow to 2.2 hours.

Is 350 words too short for college essay?

The Common App essay requires you write between 250 and 650 words. Hitting the maximum is great, but make sure not to settle at the minimum. For all college admission essays, it's best to come as close to the maximum as you can, as long as you're not filling space with meaningless sentences.

What does a 650 essay look like?

A 650-word essay is approximately a page and a half to two pages long when using a standard 12-point font and standard spacing between lines. To visualize what 650 words look like, think about a typical two-page, double-spaced essay with an introduction, three main body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Is it OK if my Common App essay is 600 words?

The Common App essay is limited to 250 - 650 words, which roughly translates to a maximum of one single-spaced page of text. You must stay in this word range. In fact, the online portal for essay submission will not let you proceed if you don't. In general, we advise writing an essay between 500 and 600 words.

Can you go over 650 words on Common App?

You can find the Common App essay prompts and instructions by navigating to the "Common App" tab on your Common App account and clicking on "Writing." You'll get to choose one of seven prompts to respond to, and your essay must be between 250 and 650 words long.

Is 600 words good for a college essay?

The average length of a personal essay for college is 400─600 words. Always read the prompt. Follow the instructions provided in the application.

Is 1,000 words too much for college essay?

Yes, 1000 words is typically too long for a college essay. There is the main 650 word common application essay that is usually the longest essay required for college applications. This year, Princeton is requiring students to submit a writing sample as part of requirements for admission, so that may longer.

Is it OK if my college essay is bad?

If a student's essay isn't great OR good, the admission officer will probably just skim past the essay and move right on to your transcript and your test scores to evaluate your candidacy for admission. Bad essays don't get read. Period.

How many paragraphs is 650 words?

The length and structure of paragraphs can vary depending on the content and flow of your essay. However, a general guideline is to have around 4-6 paragraphs in a 650-word essay. This allows for an introduction, body paragraphs (usually 2-4), and a conclusion.

What is too much for a college essay?

Pay Attention to Form

Although there are often no strict word limits for college essays, most essays are shorter rather than longer. Common App, which students can use to submit to multiple colleges, suggests that essays stay at about 650 words.

How long is the college essay 2023?

The Common App essay word limit is 650 words. Since students submit their Common App essays to every school, they should be as strong as possible.

Is a 600 word essay long?

600 words isn't a lot. You're talking a five-paragraph essay in which each paragraph is 125 words.

What is the Harvard essay word limit?

Conclusion: Writing the Harvard Supplemental Essays

You'll answer two required questions with a 150-word limit, as well as an optional essay. The optional essay has no limit, but it's best to write around 500-700 words.

Do college essays need a title?

You don't need a title for your college admissions essay, but you can include one if you think it adds something important.

Should a college essay be 5 paragraphs?

Generally, most college essays fall in the range of 250-650 words. As for the number of paragraphs, it's more about effectively organizing your thoughts and ideas rather than sticking to a specific number. For instance, you might have a compelling 5-paragraph essay or an engaging 8-paragraph essay.