How Long Should a College Essay Be? (The Real Answer)
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How long should a college essay be? Shorter than most people think. You want to use the least number of words you can to say what you need to say. Nobody wants to read 650 word essays all day, especially if there’s only 500 words of solid content and the rest is fluff and filler.
I tend to recommend 500 to 525 words for the Common App. That said, if you need all 650 words, use them. But chances are you don’t. Less is more.
Drop the mic and leave the building.
Short answer: Shorter than you think. Use the least number of words you can to say what you need to say.
Longer answer: Nobody wants to read 650-word essays all day — especially if there’s only 500 words of solid content and the rest is fluff and filler.
I tend to recommend 500 to 525 words for the Common App. That said, if your stories warrant all 650 words then use them. Chances are, they don’t.
Fun fact: Less is more. Drop the mic. Leave the building.
Reference: the Common App essay prompts.
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