Common App Essay...oh yes, another one

Applying to College
1

<p>ok, I tried to find this question answered, but I'm inept and couldn't find an answer.</p>

<p>1) On the common application's activity essay, how long should it be? Should I consider 150 to be cast in stone? My essay is 195 words. Is that too long? I'm not sure if I can condense it, but I could always try. </p>

<p>2) Should the activity essay be a real essay? I know that sounds stupid since essay is in the prompt (of sorts), but does that really mean an intro, body, and conclusion? It just seems hard to make three paragraphs on 150 words. Mine has an intro, body, conclusion, but if I broke it up, there would need to be some transition added, which to me, only wastes "precious" words. </p>

<p>Sorry for sounding goofy! I'm using the common app for the three schools I'm most interested in getting into, all of which are liberal arts (American, Denison, & Earlham), so I'm really concerned on getting accepted, and I don't want a rejection to be because my word count was over if it's between me and another person. Goofy, I know.</p>

2

<p>I think 195 may be a tad excessive, and no I dont believe you need an intro conclusion and body. Its not an essay, its is a paragraph answer. Don't stress, and try to see if you could cut it down to around 175.</p>

3

<p>the answer is not an "essay" its a paragraph. Also, 195 words is ok, the admission reader wont waste their life by counting your words, dont you think they have better stuff to do?</p>

4

<p>if you can fit 195 words within the designated area without straining the adcoms' eyes, you're fine</p>

5

<p>I know they have better things to do, but a lot of adcoms stress not sending in 8 recommendations, CDs, etc. if it's not asked for. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't that sort of thing...</p>

6

<p>If you're sending the common application online, make sure when you print proof that you look to see that the entire paragraph shows up on the page. If it does, you're fine.</p>