Common App essay word limit

College Essays
1

<p>Is the word limit a hard or soft cap?
I am writing about a touchy subject that calls for very nuanced writing and I am pretty sure that I will need roughly 600 words to finish everything.</p>

<p>So is the limit strict or is it more of a guideline?</p>

2

<p>It’s more a guideline.
Follow the skirt rule:
“Long enough to cover it all, short enough to keep them interested”
You don’t want to write too much because admissions committees don’t want to spend more than 3 minutes on each essay (or application). Besides, I’m sure admissions committees would like people who follow directions. It’s just a thought.</p>

<p>I have a friend who got into Cornell with a 515 word essay, which was close to the bare minimum of 500. The length doesn’t count. It’s what’s IN the essay that counts.</p>

<p>AND, if you’re talking about a touchy subject:

  1. Never include drug, alcohol, or sex references. It’s a turn-off.
  2. Never include jokes (however humorous) that targets a specific group of people.
  3. Never admit to committing a crime. BAD IDEA. LOL.
  4. Do not blame other things for your failures. Own up to them.
  5. Try not to sound like you’re whining. It’s a turn-off.</p>

<p>I hope this helped. :]</p>

3

<p>^Thanks for the help
And my touchy subject isn’t about any of the above so I think I’ll be ok.
I agree with the last two a lot. I hate whiny people who don’t own up to their own failures. EG: my first SAT score lolol.</p>