The primary essay for your college application, often called a personal statement, is typically around 400-600 words. The Common App personal statement — which is used as the primary application essay by more than 800 colleges — must be 250-650 words.
What is the average length of a college essay?
Essay length guidelines
| Type of essay | Average word count range |
|---|---|
| College admission essay | 200–650 words |
| Undergraduate college essay | 1500–5000 words |
| Graduate school admission essay | 500–1000 words |
| Graduate school essay | 2500–6000 words |
Is 1000 words too long for a college essay?
The shortest word limits for college essays are usually around 200 words (less than half a single-spaced page). Rarely will you see a word limit higher than around 600 words (over one single-spaced page). College essays are usually pretty short: between 200 and 650 words.
How long should a college essay be 2021?
The word count on the essays is 250-650 words. The application will not accept an essay that is over or under this number. While you don’t have to get to 650, aim to be closer to 650 words than 250. Students who are working with International College Counselors will work directly with their counselors on the essay.
Is it okay if my college essay is 700 words?
4 Answers. Hi, there. If you’re submitting it via the Common Application, then no; it will cut you off and you won’t be able to submit it if the essay is longer than 650 words. Some schools may be more flexible, if you’re applying with their application, so then it’s a case-by-case situation.
Is it OK to go over the word limit for college essays?
Most college essays have a stated word-limit. … You need to follow directions, but as long as the college’s online application doesn’t cut you off, it’s fine to go over the word limit by 10-20 words in a short essay, and maybe by a few sentences in a long essay.
Does your college essay have to be 650 words?
Personal statements. The primary essay for your college application, often called a personal statement, is typically around 400-600 words. The Common App personal statement — which is used as the primary application essay by more than 800 colleges — must be 250-650 words.
Is 800 words too much for a college essay?
Some questions on the Common App only want a 200 or 250 word answer, so be sure you stay inside the desired boundary. But, some schools will want a longer essay, though not more than 800 words. The submission system won’t allow you to submit more that the allowed amount of words. But your mind may play tricks on you.
Does a 500 word essay have to be exactly 500 words?
500-word essays do not have to be exactly 500 words, but they should be as close as possible.
What happens if my essay is too long?
If your word count is several words over the limit, changing “It is” and “I would” to “It’s” and “I’d” could help a bit. If your essay is 750 words, you will need to rewrite it. If the topic states the size, like 100 words or 250 words, but the essay field doesn’t limit the word count, you can go over but a little bit.
How many pages is a 500 word essay?
Answer: 500 words is 1 page single-spaced or 2 pages double-spaced. Documents that typically contain 500 words are high school and college essays, short blog posts, and news articles.
How many pages is 1000 words?
A 1,000 word count will create about 2 pages single-spaced or 4 pages double-spaced when using normal margins (1″) and 12 pt. Arial or Times New Roman font.