<p>Hey guys, I'm facing a serious dilemma right now. I have written my common app essay and showed it to dozens of people, including faculty at colleges, but my essay is 750 words long. I have asked every single person who has read my essay if there is anything I can cut out, but each person has said that every part of my essay is relevant, and when I asked them if they ever got bored while reading it, all of them said they were laughing and very entertained the whole time. But everywhere I have read online states that if you go too far above the 500 word "limit," it can be very detrimental. What should I do? Should I submit my essay and hope the readers also find it entertaining, or should I write a new one?</p>
<p>No; it is perfectly fine.</p>
<p>^That’s the problem w/posting an internet query, isn’t it? One opinion there, and you have other opinions opposite.</p>
<p>Here’s what the Yale website says
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<p>Maybe look at the essay prompt again to help you focus/edit? Again from Y’s website
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<p>I say submit it as is. And know that if it’s boring or wordy or repetitive, they aren’t going to finish it even it’s only 300 words. Just because they say it’s a ‘holistic review’ doesn’t mean they are obligated to punish themselves by reading something they aren’t interested in order to check that mythical box that says “I read every word of this application.” My guess is that they are so busy that only the most compelling essays, from the most compelling candidates, get read from start to finish anyway.</p>
<p>You don’t know if they will read the whole thing or see the length and wonder why you couldn’t self-edit. Don’t leave the wrong impression. Even the best pro writers are able to let go of what’s too much, even when it’s brilliant. </p>
<p>The way you write for high school- the full-on thesis statement, back-up refs or anecdotes, quotes, etc- is not what’s called for. Think about it: you can cut the 250 words and still reach your “personal statement” goal. Pick what’s best and be brutal with the rest. You get maybe 15-20 minutes total for each reviewer, don’t test them. Good luck.</p>
<p>Edit. 750 is way too long; everyone thinks that they’re the exception, but it’s not true, you SHOULD be able to answer a CA prompt in very close to 500 words.</p>
<p>Is the essay boring? Subjective answer.</p>
<p>Is the essay longer than the word limit? Objective answer.</p>
<p>You don’t know how the reader will respond to the content of the essay but you do know that at some level the reader will be disinclined to fully appreciate your essay.</p>
<p>Edit.</p>