How long should the application essay be?

SummerSnow · 10-23-2009, 08:56 PM

Hello everyone,

I'm currently using the common application, and my essay is currently 834 words long. Is that too long? How long is the application usually?

thanks for you help

limabeans · 10-23-2009, 09:44 PM

Summer, the common app essay should be between 250 words and ??? I'm guessing the "ideal" would be 500 words. Average is 750 words. And Maximum is 1,000. At 834, you're reaching the *assumed* max, but I have found that most essays can be and should be cut. Get out those scissors.

Sandman62 · 10-28-2009, 01:16 PM

My D just wrote a wonderful essay last night, but it's a shade over 1200 words. Several people have read it already though and all commented "It didn't FEEL long; it flowed very well and we couldn't wait to read the end".

Will 1200 words be a turnoff or red flag?

Thank you.

letstalkcollege · 10-28-2009, 01:56 PM

I think essays should be around 600 words, maybe 700.

Sandman, even if the essay does flow well, you want it to be concise, not a full-blown story. Imagine being a college admissions officer and having to read through hundreds of these. They're not going to be in the mood that those people who've already edited it were in.
1200 words is DEFINITELY too long. make sure you trim it!