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Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Common App Length

Hi guys! So, I'm about to start working on my Common App and I'm a bit confused about the length of the essay. Is there a strict word limit? If so, what is it? Thanks!

8 months ago

Hello! Yes, the Common Application has a word limit for the main essay. The word limit is set at a minimum of 250 words and a maximum of 650 words. It's important to stay within this range, as exceeding the limit means your essay will simply be cut off when submitted through the Common App platform. Staying within the word limit helps you ensure that your full essay is read and demonstrates your ability to express your thoughts concisely.

For tips on how to tackle all elements of the Common App essay, including conveying your thoughts concisely, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays/. Remember that CollegeVine also has a team of expert college admissions advisors who can help you figure out where to cut words, if necessary.

Good luck with your essay-writing process!

8 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.