<p>I have a great draft and it's 865 words long. Is this too wordy? I feel that everything I've written is necessary, and my essay deals with a very layered and significant experience. Still, I don't want it to initially repel college admissions people with its sheer length. </p>
<p>Also is it ok to include a quote at the beginning of the essay? I found one that captures the essence perfectly and I put it at the top before I dive into the actual essay.</p>
<p>Mine is 500 words. I believe you should just be comfortable with the length of your essay. Does it say everything you want it to say succinctly? If so, I wouldn’t worry.</p>
<p>865 words might be too long. have you had a couple of strong writer/editors review it?</p>
<p>xavier110, i do feel like i’ve said everything i needed to say succinctly.
griffen, i have had some strong editors long at it and make their suggestions. they’ve given me very positive feedback on it. but they aren’t high school teachers and aren’t really familiar with the typical length of a college essay. i suppose i can ask my english teacher for help in that regard</p>
<p>Aim for 500-600 words, tops. 865 words can almost always get better with some chopping.</p>
<p>About your quote: this could detract from your essay. Do you weave it in? Do you refer to the quote? If you start with the quote, do you end with some kind of tie-in? Usually I’d say to skip it. Is there a really compelling reason to include it?</p>
<p>I dont think 865 is too long at all. As long as you are not repetitive, and keep the essay interesting to read, it will be just fine. The last thing you want is to bore the admissions officer. But if your essay is better longer, then keep it that way</p>
<p>I didn’t say 865 words was too long, but it usually works out that cutting it down makes a better essay. Oftentimes, what you say in 856 words can be trimmed to 600 words without losing the essence while gaining some pizzazz. Try it. What can you lose (other than a few words?).</p>
<p>BTW, if you didn’t want an opinion, why did you ask?</p>
<p>The issue with my essay is that it’s about a collection of experiences and how they have affected me. It’s almost like a journey I went on, and each part of the essay describes places and topics I’ve explored. I don’t think I can cut it down. I think going into a certain level of detail for each part of the journey is sort of necessary so it doesn’t seem superficial. But I do think it’s interesting longer. The people who I’ve shown it to have hardly had a problem with the length. At the same time, I know that admissions people are pressed for time so I didn’t want to annoy them. I guess then I can do additional supplementary essays a bit shorter?
Limabeans - I do refer extensively to the idea the quote conveys, without specifically saying “oh this is just like the quote” if you know what I mean. It’s a pretty unique concept that, interestingly, is from my favorite book… and I DO want your opinion!</p>
<p>all the essays I’ve written have been between 750 and 800 words. I am also prefacing my common app essay with a quote. I feel this is a completely appropriate way to write an essay-- as if your writing is a well-thought-out, structured reaction (or elaboration upon) the idea represented by the quote.</p>