Hey y'all, I'm planning to start drafting my college essays during the summer and I'm a bit unsure about how long they should be. Is there a certain word count I should aim for? Or do different colleges have different requirements? Thanks in advance for the info!
Hello! You're absolutely right that different colleges can have different word count requirements for their application essays. Generally, however, the main Common Application essay has a word limit of 650 words, and colleges want students to use this space to the fullest to share their story. Aim to write an essay that's neither too short nor too close to the maximum, as both could potentially give the reader a negative impression. Around 500-650 words is usually a good range for the main essay.
For supplemental essays, colleges will typically provide specific word count guidelines within the prompt. These can range anywhere from 100 to 500 words, though 250-word essays are fairly common.
It's always valuable to remember that clarity and quality of content matter more than the sheer quantity of words, so prioritize creating a compelling narrative over hitting a specific word count. Good luck with your writing process!
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