Coalition App "Strongly Suggested" Word Limit and Common App Essay Crossover

Hi all - The Common App essay word limit is 650. The Coalition App “strongly suggests” a word limit of 500-550. Most of the schools my D will apply to will be Common App schools, but perhaps not all, and the essay she writes will most likely be aimed at the Common App’s 650 word limit. As far as topics go, she may use the “write about anything you want” prompt, which is available in both apps.

Ideally, she could write the Common App essay and then use it for the Coalition App schools without having to edit it down (particularly if she already has difficulty editing it to under 650 words - I know shorter is better, but you know how it goes).

The question: Does anyone know from experience (limited I know with Coalition App) or discussions with admissions staff whether exceeding the 550 word limit and submitting an essay closer to 650 words in a significant issue either because of its added length over 550 words and/or because it “tells” the Coalition App admissions staff that you are probably recycling your Common App essay?

I imagine a well-written 650 word essay will be regarded just fine, but the 550 word, “strongly suggested” limit is there for a reason I guess. I do wish the Coalition App could have just adopted the 650 word limit so as not to create a real or perceived need to write two essays or substantially edit an essay painstakingly written within the parameters for the same prompt found on the more widely accepted Common App.

Thanks all

I’m wondering too…
bump

@JMS111 It’s very important to stick to the word limit. Like you mentioned, its there for a reason.

Unfortunately, it may mean writing another essay if she can’t revise the common app essay down to 550 or less. I know it’s not easy editing but encourage her to try to do so. Why write another essay if she doesn’t have to.

My S swore that he could cut his essay down. He felt it changed the meaning. But, after editing and editing and more editing he did. And I have to say, I think it was more powerful than the original.

^ oops couldn’t cut it down