Does the Common App essay have to be exactly 650 words?

The Common App essay word limit is 650 words maximum. However, according to the official Common App essay requirements, the lower stay Common App essay word limit is 250 words. As you brainstorm topics for Common App essays, make sure that the story you want to tell fits into the Common App essay word limit.

Should my Common App essay be exactly 650 words?

The Common App essay word count range is 250-650 words. But just how long should your statement be? Admissions Blog advises aiming for around 500 words. And former Tufts University admissions officer Becky Leichtling concurs.

Is it okay if my Common App essay is 500 words?

For the Common App, try to stay within 550-650 words, even though the given range is 250-650. Any submission shorter than 500 words will make it look as though you simply didn't care enough to give your best effort.

Is 350 words too short for college essay?

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.

What to do if your Common App essay is too long?

Make sure that each sentence and paragraph is contributing to your overall message. Consider removing any tangents or anecdotes that don't directly relate to your main topic. Ask someone else to read your essay and provide feedback. They may be able to identify areas where you can cut down on word count.

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Does it matter how long your Common App essay is?

As you draft, remember the Common App essay requirements, including the Common App essay word limit of 650 words. While the Common App essay word limit gives you more space than most supplemental essays, it's still relatively short. Often, leaving a few days between writing sessions can give you a useful perspective.

How do I reduce the length of an essay?

How short is 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.

Does my college essay have to be exactly 500 words?

Your essay must not be longer than 650 words, but it can be shorter. Anything over 500 words is fine, as long as your essay is thoughtful and complete.

Is it OK for a college essay to be short?

Beyond that, any essay of about 500 words (400–600) should be fine — unless the accepting agent sets a fixed limit of 500, which is the sort of instruction that no competent editor or writer would ever think appropriate.

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 I swear in my Common App essay?

Avoid swearing in a college essay, since admissions officers' opinions of profanity will vary.

Is it ok to go over the word count for Common App essay?

For example, the Common App won't allow you to go over 650 word limit for its main essay. Not even one word over. If your word count is several words over the limit, changing “It is” and “I would” to “It's” and “I'd” could help a bit. If your essay is 750 words, you will need to rewrite it.

How do you know if your Common App essay is good?

If anyone else could put their name at the top of your essay and have it still make sense, it could probably still use some work. If your essay tells a story that is important to you and 100% reflects who you are and no one else, then you're probably well on your way to hitting the “submit” button.

What does 650 words 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.

Should my Common App essay be 5 paragraphs?

There is no set number of paragraphs in a college admissions essay. College admissions essays can diverge from the traditional five-paragraph essay structure that you learned in English class. Just make sure to stay under the specified word count.

How many words should the Common App essay be 2023?

The Common App essay word limit remains at 650 words. There is also a minimum floor of 250 words.

Does 500 word essay mean exactly 500 words?

Does a 500 word essay have to be exactly 500 words? No. Depending on the “local” rules of the organisation you're writing for, you'll be allowed either 5% or 10% over the word count. If you go over that, you might be penalised by having your mark reduced.

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 shouldn't you write about in a college essay?

While drug addiction, alcohol use, arrests, jail stints, and similar activities may seem intriguing, they are usually college essay topics to avoid. There is a chance the admissions committee won't view those actions favorably, regardless of the lessons they learned along the way.

How not to start a Common App essay?

How many sentences is 650 words?

How Many Sentences Is 650 Words? 650 words is about 32-44 sentences. A sentence typically has 15–20 words.

Is 800 words too long for 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.

How much over word count is acceptable?

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).

How long is Common App essay 2023?

The 2023-2024 Common Application essay prompts are as follows: Choose the option below that best helps you write an essay of no more than 650 words. 1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it.