<p>Okay so on the common app essay, it is mentioned that the length should be 250-500 words. Now, is this more of a suggestion or a mandatory restriction? I know that for the EC essay there is an absolute limit, past which words will be cut off. But for the larger essay there's nothing indicating that extra words will be cut off.
My first question regarding this: Is the 250-500 word limit a suggestion?
And my next question is this: If it is merely a suggestion, will admissions officers reading longer essays take note of the length?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for your help!!</p>
<p>The 250-500 word limit should be treated as an unenforced limit. You won’t have any words cut off (especially if you upload a Word document or PDF). However, no admissions officer is going to appreciate having to read an obnoxiously long essay, especially when the Common App asks for a 250-500 word essay.</p>
<p>Basically, if you can write a captivating essay that’s 1000 words long, go for it. Beware, though, that an overwhelming majority of high school seniors can’t do that (which is why the 250-500 word limit is in place).</p>
<p>Yes, the 250-500 world limit is suggested, however, it’s never a good idea to make college essays super long. Many long essays can definitely be shortened and in my opinion the more concise the essay, the more impact it has.</p>
<p>The limit is there, but no admissions officer is actually going to go through and count your words. That would take more time than it would to just read the thing. However, they can tell roughly how long it should be from reading other essays. But to do that, they have to be paying attention to the length instead of the content. So, as the prevailing theory is, if your content is interesting enough to keep the officer interested and not nodding off, then you’re good to go. I believe my essay last year had over 800 words and I got into my first choice school. </p>
<p>But as somebody above said, most essays, no matter how good you think it is, can be made more concise yet still retain the punch.</p>
<p>So I began with an 800-something word essay, and have cut it down to around 600 words. Should I continue cutting down until I reach the 500 word limit? Oh and is anyone willing to read mine to help me with this? :P</p>
<p>Yes, you should cut it down, all the way. Very few essays require that you cover every detail- and, one of the skills they look for is your ability to self-edit. (Ie, your judgment.) All reviews are short; don’t distract them with an essay that runs on.</p>