crazydad001

Common Application essay requires a minimum of 250 words, but no maximum specified. Does that mean you can write a 1000 word essay? What do you think should the optimal length of this essay be?

Thanks.

Myrmidon73

Last year, my college counselor told me to try to keep my essay at around 500 words max. Admissions officers need to read thousands of essays, so if you write something that 4+ pages, it will probably hurt more than help.

I think the ideal length is somewhere around 1 1/2 (so a little less than 500 words). That should give you enough space to write about whatever you want, while keeping it concise.

Shinjin

I have to say there's a select few essays that benefit from a higher word count, and the best route to success is to sharpen your own essay until each word fights for itself. When you can't take one more word out without detracting from the overall piece, you've done amazing, no matter how many words it is.

The problem with that approach is that as an individual, you have a biased perspective on what's necessary and what isn't. It's easy to become attached to a word or phrase, and though upon editing it doesn't quite fit anymore, you don't realize how superfluous it really may be.

So have a parent or a friend read it, the word count drops faster than you think!

I went a bit off-track there, but basically, however many words you feel necessary. The general consensus is 500, with 650-700 starting to stretch into the outliers, but if you feel any less than 1,000 words hinders your expression go for it!

Just remember, it becomes exponentially harder to keep a firm grasp on the reader's attention the longer you write!

traxx

I honestly don't think anyone should write a 1,000 word essay for college admissions; it's definitely too much. But, if like Shinjin said, you're one of those people who feels that less than 1,000 words will hinder your expression, then go for it.

I was one of those people. I went a little over 1000 words (and I knew I should've have!), but my essay did flow rather quickly.

If it matters, I was accepted ED ..

hopefullyLAC

Yay, I've been wondering if a long essay is an automatic disqualification (I'm the type who always goes over the page/word count limits myself). Very refreshing to know that someone with an essay as long as mine has made it in...

cuRRent

Unless you are henry james, I don't think 1000 is a pretty number to hover about.

jackfitz

You can pm me I will love to take a look at it.