<p>I've started writing my essay for the Common App and I just have two questions.</p>
<p>1) I'm doing it as a word document, should it be double or single spaced?
2) Is there a maximum length or a normal length that I should try to conform too? I've just started so I don't really know how long it is going to be but I feel like 2 pages single spaced would be sufficient...</p>
<p>You can do double. But, single is okay.</p>
<p>The rule: One page single spaced. If it's doubled spaced two pages, just make it one page single then. The norm though: 500 words (about a page).</p>
<p>That is a very short "essay", I'm going to have some real problems with this I can see.</p>
<p>Last year, the Common App online gave students plenty of room to write more than a 500 word essay. The new application states "...at least 250 words.."
I suggest writing long for the first draft and then examine what you have written looking for your best idea, or theme. Trim non-esential details, tighten up descriptions and remove divergent material.
Writing is a process--expect to do a few drafts before you finish your essay.</p>