<p>Hey guys</p>
<p>My common app main essay is 707 words exactly, but it all fits on one single-spaced page. I have already cut it down from about 750 and I don't feel that I can trim anything else. Do you guys think it is fine since it all fits on one page?</p>
<p>I know on the common app it says 500 words and now it’s supposedly a “cutoff” but honestly if it all fits on one page and you feel if you cut any more you will lose the essence of the essay then just leave it at 700 words.</p>
<p>Do keep this in mind though. 500 words is a general guideline for the common app, and if an admissions reader has to spend extra time on your essay, they might be slightly annoyed.</p>
<p>This is the first year that the “long” essay has a word limit. My DD had the same question about the word limit and emailed Common App. She got an email from the Common App saying that they instituted this because without a word limit students were rambling and the colleges were getting upset with the long essays. If you exceed the limit, keep in mind two things: 1) you will be showing that you couldn’t/wouldn’t follow their directions, and 2) if everyone else writes 500, your 700 word essay will stick out like a sore thumb (being that it is 40% longer than everyone else). Good luck with whatever you decide to do. This is a stressful time of year for all seniors. I don’t envy you all…</p>