What if my college essay is more than 650 words?

Exceeding the word count isn't an option—the application portal cuts off anything over the maximum number of allowed words. This is something you want to be particularly careful of if you're drafting your essay in a Word or Google document and pasting it into the application.

Is it OK if my college essay is 650 words?

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.

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

It really depends honestly. If it is strict, the marker will stop reading and there is a chance points will be deducted for not following the criteria. In some instances, there is a 10% word limit, which means you can go 10% over the word count without being penalised. I'd recommend talking to whoever set up the essay.

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.

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Is a 650 word essay a lot?

College applicants should use the real estate offered in college essays to make their case — all of it! If the maximum word count for a college admissions essay is 650 words, applicants should not write 500 words. They should write 650 words — or pretty close to it.

Is a 650 word essay long?

650 words is 1.3 pages single-spaced or 2.6 pages double-spaced. Documents that typically contain 650 words are high school and college essays, short blog posts, and news articles. It will take approximately 2 minutes to read 650 words.

Is it bad if my college essay is too long?

If you exceed the word limit in a noticeable way, the admissions counselor may just stop reading your essay past that point. This is not good for you. Following directions is actually a very important part of the college application process.

How strict are college essay word limits?

Can a college essay be longer than 650 words? The standard word count for the Common app essay is 650 words. Rule 1) Follow any explicit word limit guidelines. Rule 2) Always go under the limit as opposed to over the word limit.

What to do if my college essay is too long?

What does a 650 word 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 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.

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.

How long should a 650 word essay take?

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 is too much for a college essay?

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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.

What is the word limit for college essay 2023?

The Common App essay word limit for the 2023-24 application cycle is 650 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.

How do I shorten my college essay?

Do colleges look at extended essay?

Generally, they don't. Your prospective universities will not ask about your extended essay or require you to give any information on it during the application process.

Is 700 words a long essay?

700 words is 1.4 pages single-spaced or 2.8 pages double-spaced. Documents that typically contain 700 words are high school and college essays, short blog posts, and news articles.

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.

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.

How many paragraphs should a 650 word college essay have?

For a college essay with a 650 word limit, it is recommended to structure the essay into five paragraphs. These five paragraphs should consist of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction of the essay should present the main topic and provide relevant background information or context.

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.