how many words for the common ap essay

Cato91
Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:40:02 +0000

Shoot for 500. Be comfortable with 600-650.

It’s subjective, though. Common App doesn’t define a limit, and colleges won’t exactly cut you off (hopefully). Going too long, however, may be interpreted as a sign of disrespect, a worrying lack of focus, or pure boredom.

Remember, even if the admissions officer doesn’t react negatively to the length per se, attention is zero-sum. Each new word draws emphasis from all the others.

But also, I know personally that 500 words is tough.