Hey everybody! I'm starting to work on my personal statement for college applications and I'm not really sure how long it should be. What's the general word or page length that colleges typically look for? Any advice is appreciated, thanks!
Hey! It's great that you're starting to work on your personal statement. Most colleges use the Common Application, Coalition Application, or their own application system, and they generally specify the required length. For the Common App, the personal statement has a minimum count of 250 words and a maximum count of 650 words. It's essential to adhere to the given word limit because admission officers have to read numerous essays, and a longer essay might not be received well.
I recommend sticking to around 500-600 words to ensure that you can provide enough details to create a compelling narrative without exceeding the word limit. It's easier to trim down your essay than to add content later, so feel free to write a longer first draft and then edit it down. Make sure your essay focuses on a specific experience or theme and is well organized. Good luck with your personal statement!
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