<p>The first draft of my Common App essay was over 1,700 words. I redid it and got it down to about 950. Is this too long?</p>
<p>Yes, 950 words is definitely too long. The CommonApp essay is supposed to be about 500 words, add 50 or so words for a safety maximum, and you shouldn’t be topping 550. Sorry, man. There are going to be times when it’s important to be concise and these college essays can be good practice for that.</p>
<p>One page single spaces with and extra space between the paragraphs is a safe length. Admissions officers don’t like more than one page usually. And the extra space between paragraphs gives the eyes a break when reading. Using this approach, mine has come out to about 600 words. Good luck!</p>
<p>I disagree with everyone who says it’s too long. It completely depends on the essay. Sometimes it is necessary for an essay to be that long, as any shorter it might not get ones point across. However, if the essay contains unneeded material, than it is too long. </p>
<p>My opinion is that if that many words is needed, go for it. If you can cut words out and still keep the flow and point of the essay, I would do that. Mine is close to 800 words, but any less and it just wouldn’t make sense.</p>
<p>I disagree. It’s a bit too long, but certainly not anything unmanageable. Cut it down as much as you possibly can. Remember the admission offices don’t want to see you’re extensive range of adjective vocabulary, though I’m sure you’ve got one. Cut out the fat. I know, I know. You feel like you’ve cut out so much fat you just can’t go on. Reword, my friend. Get it down to a nice round 750.</p>