Good length for college essays: what does 650 words look like?

I've seen college essays requiring 650 words, but what does that look like? Any advice on how to make sure I'm staying within that range?

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.

To ensure you stay within the 650-word limit, begin by drafting an outline for your essay to help you organize your thoughts and stay focused on the main points you want to convey. Keep your introduction and conclusion concise, whereas you can afford to go into a bit more detail in the body paragraphs. As you write, consider using a word processor with a built-in word count feature (such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Pages) to keep track of your word count in real-time.

After completing your essay, it is helpful to revise and edit your work to remove any unnecessary words or phrases, and to make your sentences more concise and clear. This process will also help you ensure that you're adhering to the word count requirement.

Finally, remember that while it's essential to stay within the word limit, quality and effective storytelling should be your priority. Focus on conveying your message and telling your story in a way that captivates your audience and demonstrates who you are as an applicant.