Common app essay word limit

I have been working on my common app essay for a while, ignoring the word limit. But after considering the word limit (650 words) I noticed that I could only include one experience for my prompt - something that is extremely difficult for me, seeing as the interest I am writing about is something I have explored deeply and am very passionate about.

The prompt I chose: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

I have had two research experiences, one with plant evolutionary biology (which went on for a very long time) and the other with cellular biology, and many classes that have contributed to my interests, but I cannot obviously fit everything into a 650 word essay. How do I choose one subject to write about?

Thank you!

Be careful NOT to make this into an extension of your resume-- that’s not what this is about

It’s not about your two research experiences; that’s covered in another part of the application. It’s about how you’ve grown, stretched, become a better person.