<p>I know there have been posts about this in the past, and now I'm freaking out because I didn't read them until now. My Yale supplement essay is 478 words, which is under the 500 word limit they placed on it. However, my Common App essay is 810. My GC had read it and knew I was applying to Yale and didn't say it was too long, but now I am reading that Yale wants the Common App essay under 500 words, 600 as an absolute maximum. Is this true?? I already submitted my application, so I guess there's nothing I can do, but I'm still worried.</p>
<p>@klaz, where does it say that? My common app essay is like 700 words....</p>
<p>but you can upload the essay on the common application so do you think a longer essay will be bad...i don't think they will count each word...</p>
<p>my essay is like 750 words for the supplement and like 600 for the common app</p>
<p>Yale does say to keep the supplement essay under 500 words. They will read an essay if it goes over but it will not help you. Basically, try to keep it as close to 500 as possible.</p>
<p>For the Common App, I think almost anything is fair game. You don't want to write a 2,000 word essay. But 600 I think is fine. 700-800 might be pushing it, but if you can't cut anything out then don't try to.</p>
<p>There is a discussion going on over in the Common App forum with essay lengths, and the Yale instructions have been brought up:</p>
<p>[thread=571389]How long are most people's commonapp essays?[/thread]</p>
<p>Some have said that Yale expects the Common App to follow the 500 word guideline as well...through some unclear directions on its website FAQ. What do you think?</p>
<p>EDIT: sorry this question has been answered it seems [thread=565718]The Official Answer for the CommonApp Essay Words Limit from Yale University.[/thread]</p>
<p>:/ oh my lord, my essay's about 800 words and it's the best it can be. I can't possibly cut it down ever MORE... Should I send it in anyway? To be honest, my applications are kind of hinging on the essays and the recs, since I didn't cure cancer or write a symphony...</p>
<p>don't worry guys, my essay's 983 words and i doubt i'll be cutting it down at all</p>
<p>yale requires the supplement to be fewer than 500 (or as close to 500 if it goes over)... the common app just says about 500 words, so I assume that means about 650 to 700 max.. my common app essay is about 600 words, which is a good number for that essay.. i say that if you're over 700 words, you might want to see if you can cut it down just a hair.. if you're excessively over, then you may need to figure out what is important and what isn't as important and make sure it isn't too long.. i.e. 983 words is pushing it, and with an essay of that length, the admissions people may get a little agitated with you (which isn't good).. if you can, get it below 800 at least.. 700 preferably</p>
<p>this is just what my college counselor has told us at my school, and we always send some kids to ivy's every year.. so i personally trust what she says</p>
<p>be_somebody: You've got to understand that the essay's sole purpose isn't just to be a vehicle for your story -- it's also an exercise in telling your story within specific parameters. Most people can probably tell an in-depth story in 900 words. Can you do it in 500 words?</p>
<p>May I suggest this helpful article? Good luck to you all</p>
<p>^^ well said</p>
<p>T36E4: You're absolutely right. It's just that for the CommonApp essay, I assumed the 250 words minimum meant I could go at it haha. I think I'll keep it at 800 though. :/</p>
<p>My Yale supplement essay is well under 500, so no worries there.</p>
<p>And great article! Thanks for sharing :)</p>