How long should a Common App essay be?

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.

How many paragraphs should a Common App essay be?

Common App Essay Format

Essays must be 250-650 words. We recommend aiming for about 500 words. You can use a standard five-paragraph essay structure for your Common App essay, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. If you're comfortable branching out from this structure, feel free!

Is 400 words too short for a Common App essay?

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. An essay shorter than 500 words won't be long enough to truly share who you are and what matters to you.

How long is too long for a Common App essay?

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.

How long is the Common App essay 2023?

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

The Best Way to Start & End a College Essay in 2024! | Tips for Common App and Supplementals

Can my Common App essay be 750 words?

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 450 words good for a college essay?

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.

Why is the Common App essay so short?

At the end of the day, admissions officers read your essays because they want to fly the friendly skies with you into your world. 500 to 600 words allows you to give them a proper flying experience and gives you the words necessary to differentiate your world from the world of other applicants.

How do I make my Common App essay stand out?

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.

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.

Is it bad to go over word count on college essays?

Frequently asked questions about college application essays

Most college application portals specify a word count range for your essay, and you should stay within 10% of the upper limit to write a developed and thoughtful essay.

How many Common App essays are required 2024?

Write only one essay (plus any supplements).

You'll submit one essay through the Common Application for all your schools. Some colleges may ask you to also answer a few supplemental questions. Check out the Common App essay prompts now so you can start strategizing!

Should I break my Common App essay into paragraphs?

Better yet, aim for short and sweet paragraphs that make for easy reading. Remember that admissions officers are going through hundreds of these essays a day — don't make it harder for them to concentrate with one dizzying block of text that's difficult to read. Multiple paragraph breaks also help you build momentum.

Should I bold my Common App essay?

If you lose the italics, use the Common App italics formatting to add them inside the text box. I see no reason to use either Bold or Underlining in your essays. Avoid gimmicky formatting, such as ALL CAPS, emojis or #hashtags. Avoid titles.

Should I separate my Common App essay into paragraphs?

A very simple writing rule for your application essay (and for essay editing of any type) is to make your writing readable by adding line breaks and separate paragraphs. Line breaks do not count toward word count, so they are a very easy way to organize your essay structure, ideas, and topics.

How not to start a Common App essay?

How do you show vulnerability in a college essay?

Being vulnerable in your essay means sharing aspects of yourself that you may not usually discuss openly. These could be challenges you've faced, mistakes you've made, or even weaknesses you've identified and are working on. Vulnerability provides a window into your ability to overcome challenges and grow from them.

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.

Does word count matter for college essays?

It is important to follow the word count while writing. Word count is seen as a limit to creativity or expression by some students, while burden by some. A good writer will be easily able to follow the word count. Moreover, word count helps both teacher, and student to assess an essay easily with constructive feedback.

Should Common App essay tell a story?

In your own voice, tell a story that reveals a defining moment that helped to shape who you are today and influences who you'll be tomorrow. In other words, your college essay should give the reader a real sense of your unique personality, characteristics, and qualities.

Should my Common App essay be exactly 650 words?

3 Answers By Expert Tutors

I've interviewed numerous College Admissions Reps on how to write a strong admissions essay and many have mentioned the importance of adhering to the word limit. It's not okay to exceed the 650 word limit on the common application essay, but your essay can be less than 650 words.

What if my college essay is over 650 words?

Yes, you have room for about 650 words in that essay. I say “about” because sometimes it's a little bit less. Truth! Last year we were having trouble with the longer essays getting their last paragraph cut off by the application software.

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.

Should Common App essay be double spaced?

Generally, college essays should be double spaced, unless the specific college or application system you're using has different requirements. Formatting is essential because it helps make your essay more accessible and easier to read for admissions officers.