How Long Should a College Essay Be? (The Real Answer)
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.
The full system for writing essays admissions officers can’t ignore — EssaySecrets™.
Get EssaySecrets™ →One payment. Every kid in your family.
Not ready? Be the admissions officer — three essays, one seat, who gets in?