<p>The Common App Essay has been restricted to 500 words this year. Does that include the title or not? Also, does it hurt to use contractions in the essay?</p>
<p>I would avoid contracting “by the way” to “btw,” if I were you. I would assume that the title is included in the word count.</p>
<p>I meant contractions as in “I am” to “I’m.” Some teachers consider this too informal so I was wondering if it would be appropriate for a college essay. I’m at exactly 500 words without a title right now, so any feedback would be appreciated!</p>
<p>It does not need to be exactly 500 words. 520 words is probably still fine. So a 500 word essay plus whatever your title is is going to be okay, and it will probably be just fine if you skip the contractions as well.</p>
<p>Okay thank you!</p>