Hey guys, I'm working on my college application essay and I'm not really sure about the length. How long should my college essay be?
When writing your college essay, the length can vary based on the specific instructions provided by each institution. However, for the Common Application, personal statements should typically be between 250 and 650 words in length.
This range is designed to give you enough space to craft a thoughtful and detailed narrative without overwhelming the admissions officers. When writing, ensure your essay covers your point comprehensively, but remains concise and focused. Irrelevant details or excessively long essays can lose the reader's interest.
Remember, each word in your essay should contribute to the overall narrative or message you're trying to communicate. Exceeding the word limit might be a sign that your essay lacks focus or clarity.
When drafting, it could be helpful to exceed the word count initially, capturing all your thoughts and ideas, then revise and cut down in subsequent drafts to meet the word limit while maintaining the essence of your story.
Avoid unnecessary repetition and ensure each sentence adds value and moves the narrative forward. The key is to tell a compelling story and convey your character and experiences effectively within the allowed word limit.
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