Hey everyone! I'm starting to work on my college essays and I was wondering what the word limit is for the main Common App essay? Also, are there any tips on how I should choose the right topic that fits within this word limit?
The Common App essay has a word limit of 650 words. It's important to stay within this limit, as admissions officers read many essays and going over the limit may negatively impact their perception of your essay.
When selecting a topic, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. First, make sure that your essay is personal and reveals something about you that isn't evident from the rest of your application. Admissions officers want to get to know you beyond your test scores and transcript.
Think about an experience or event that challenged you, helped you grow, or shaped your perspective on life. It can be big or small, but it should be something that is meaningful to you and makes you stand out as an individual. Avoid cliché topics, like essay about a sports victory/injury or the challenges of being a new immigrant. It's crucial to find an angle that presents a unique, captivating story.
Once you've chosen a meaningful topic, your main focus should be on telling the story effectively and concisely. Keep your essay focused on one central theme or event, and use vivid details and examples to illustrate your point. You don't need to provide a complete overview of your entire life or every accomplishment; instead, use anecdotes and descriptions to show, rather than tell, the reader about your character, values, or experiences.
Finally, make sure to leave enough time for editing and revisions. Start by drafting your essay and don't worry about word count at first. Once you have your story on paper, work on refining your language and cutting unnecessary words and sentences to stay within the 650-word limit. Keep refining your essay, but remember that the content and message are more important than achieving the exact word count. Your essay may be slightly shorter, between 550-600 words, and still convey a strong message if you focus on quality storytelling.
Good luck with your essay, and remember that the most important thing is to be genuine and present your story in a compelling manner.
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