Are These Essay No Nos?

College Essays
1

<p>To write in past tense (I am describing an event), to use the word “Dude”, in a dialogue, of course, and to make the essay 900 words long. If their is a word limit on the commonapp, what is it??</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Using the past tense is fine.
You can use the word ‘Dude’ in dialogue, but definitely not to an admissions dean.
900 words is a no-no in general, but there have been exceptional essays that were longer. Generally, though, the shorter the better.
Common App doesn’t have a word limit, but it’s recommended that your essay be around 500 words.</p>