<p>Actually the “big” essay last year for the SCHC was a minimum of 600 words up to 1000 words. I just looked at my daughter’s (they’re all saved on our computer) and it is 987 words. She would tell you it’s worth it though. She’s in the honors dorm and LOVES it. You can’t beat the scholarship and the benefits and programs either. She turned down several higher ranked schools and no regrets. </p>