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Duke University
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

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Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Ideal length for Common App personal statement?

Feeling a bit puzzled about how long my personal statement should be for the Common App. What's the typical word count everyone's aiming for? Want to make sure I provide enough detail without going overboard.

10 months ago

Hey there! It's great that you're putting thought into the length of your personal statement. The Common App gives you a limit of 650 words, and the best strategy is to use most of that space without going too far under or hitting the absolute maximum. Aim for somewhere between 600-650 words to provide enough detail and showcase your personality and experiences effectively.

Remember, it's not just about reaching the word count, but rather ensuring that every word adds value to your essay. For example, if you led a community service project, you'll want to have enough space to reflect on how that experience shaped you more than just stating what happened. Good luck with your writing!

10 months ago

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