Do admissions officers check word count?

If you're in the 520 to 650 range, it's unlikely that an admissions officer would even think about your word count. But if your essay doesn't hit the 520 mark, then the length starts to raise some questions.

Do colleges care about word count?

Although most schools provide applicants with a specific word count, some offer more general guidelines. For example, a college may ask for a particular number of pages or paragraphs. If you aren't given a word count, try to adhere to the best practices and conventions of writing.

Is it OK to go over the word count for an essay?

Revised on June 1, 2023. 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.

Do you get Penalised for going over the word count?

Word limit penalties

The precise word count must be written on the coversheet. Overlong essays will be penalised according to the following rule: 1% of the maximum obtainable mark will be deducted for every 100 words, or part thereof, over the word limit.

What happens if you go over the word limit on university application?

You need to follow directions, but as long as the college's online application doesn't cut you off, it's fine to go over the word limit by 10-20 words in a short essay, and maybe by a few sentences in a long essay. Colleges have better things to do than to check the word counts of your essays for minor infractions.

College Admissions: Inside the Decision Room

How strict are universities on word count?

Typically, you should aim for the finished essay to be within 10% of the word limit either way. However, some universities are very strict about staying within word limits, so you should check this with your school/department before submitting your work.

How strict is the word limit for college essays?

If your institution doesn't provide a specific word count, it's best to keep your essay between the length established by the longer college admissions essay format: 250 to 650 words. Word count is just one factor to consider as you craft your college admissions essay.

How much is acceptable to go over word count?

No more than 5% above or below the word limit is acceptable for written assignments (e.g. an essay of 3000 words must be no less than 2850 and no more than 3150).

Is it OK to go over the word limit?

Can you go over the essay word limit? You must be careful about staying within the word limit for each application. Look at the essay prompts closely. Unless specified, never go over the word limit for a college application essay.

What happens if your word count is over?

In short, should the work be over the word count, how far it goes is taken into consideration and brings the overall mark down. For those assignments which are pass/fail, going over the word count can result in a fail grade.

What happens if you go under the word limit on university essay?

You've got the people who always go over the word count, and the people who can't get anywhere near it. Many universities apply a kind of 'penalty' if either of these happens. A pretty common one is your mark will be reduced by 10% if you're 10% over or under the word limit.

What happens if you go over the word limit on Common App essay?

If your essay is longer than the limit, the application process cuts off the extra words when you submit it. Therefore, colleges will receive an incomplete essay.

Is 500 words too short for Common App 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.

Is 1,000 words too much for college essay?

Is 1000 words too long for a college essay? Yes, we don't think that college students will ever need to write such long essays. The average college essay word count is 550-650 words, whereas minimun length is 150 words.

How do you reduce word count in college essay?

Should you worry about word count?

It's natural to feel concerned about word count while working on the first draft of a novel, but it's important to prioritize the quality of your writing over the quantity of words. Focus on developing your characters, plot, and setting, and allow the story to unfold naturally.

Does word count have to be exact?

Still, most of the professors allow using a 10% rule. For instance, you can exceed the number of words by 10%, and instead of 1000 words, write 1100 words. Also, some professors do allow to write fewer words than is required in the task.

Is it better to be over or under the word limit?

The most important thing is to make sure you conveyed your message using only necessary words, no more, no less. Good writing is not in using a lot of words. It's in being to the point and concise. However, if the 'maximum' limit is 300 words, do make sure you keep it at 300 or less words.

Can I curse in my college essay?

Avoid swearing in a college essay, since admissions officers' opinions of profanity will vary. In some cases, it might be okay to use a vulgar word, such as in dialogue or quotes that make an important point in your essay. However, it's safest to try to make the same point without swearing.

Why are college essays so short?

Since colleges want to streamline the application process, application essays usually have a recommended word count. If the recommended size is 200 words, 210 might be OK, but 300 definitely not. Some essays have a strict limit that won't allow you to enter anything over this limit.

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.

How do professors check word count?

There are many word counter apps that they can use to check. The most common is Microsoft Word itself. Your professors can easily check the word count of your assignment. Another tool that they may use is Turnitin to check your word count.

Why do professors care about word count?

Word counts free professors from complicated grading methods and set expectations for students. Without a word limit, students might not put in as much effort and could get away with writing too little.

How to reduce word count?

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.