Is it in my best interest to get as close to 650 words for the Common App Essay?

Applying to College
1

<p>I am hovering around 500, but having trouble adding more. </p>

2

<p>Around 500 should be fine. 400 would be concerning.</p>

<p>500/560 = almost 90% of the space allotted.</p>

3

<p>500 is fine.</p>

4

<p>Not to hijack OP’s thread but I have the same question, I have exactly 469 words, should I add more or is that okay? It has been reviewed by two teachers and they the essay itself is great, but I’m concerned about the amount of words.</p>

5

<p>I once had an English professor who when asked how long a paper should be, replied “As long as it needs to be and not one word longer.” That bit of advice has served me well for over 30 years.</p>