main common app essay

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>OK, my main common app essay is around 990 words ish. I realize they say don't make it longer than 500-650 but I really think the length contributes to its meaning. Should I still consider cutting it?</p>

2

<p>Yeah, I would definitely cut it down at least 200 words. Mine was at 780 and I cut it down to around 650, and it still sounds pretty much the same as before.</p>

<p>Take a look at this thread by ohio_mom: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=25018%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=25018&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p>

<p>It really helps to make your essay more concise.</p>

3

<p>If it fits on one page, you are fine.</p>

4

<p>i'm guessing by one page, you mean 12-point font and 1-inch margins.....and not 10-point font and 0.5-inch margins.</p>

5

<p>The margins can be flexible. And it has to be at least 10-point font (does not have to be 12).</p>

6

<p>it says somewhere to make it 500-650? I only saw more than 500~! I wrote 1000 words, but it's not boring at all. I already turned mine in.</p>

7

<p>I honestly don't understand this whole "unspoken essay length" mentality on CC.</p>

<p>The Common App only has a 250 word minimum. In their "help" section, it specifically states that there is NO maximum on essay length. Honestly, I never would have heard of this "rule" if I hadn't come on CC. Thus, I don't think any college can penalize you for having an essay just because they think it's too long. (As long as it's well-written, of course.)</p>

<p>It's a judgment call, sure...but I don't understand this talk of maximum word counts when there is none!</p>

8

<p>seriously, if the essay exceeds 1 page by a lot, most likey its not to the point</p>

9

<p>yea just make sure every word you use is important. And predator, i really think you should cut down, 900 words is way to long and the admissions reps probably won't waste their time going through the whole thing.</p>

10

<p>From the Stanford's web site:

[quote]
Long Essay (found in the Common Application's First Year Application): Candidates must choose 1 topic and respond (not exceeding the space provided, which is approximately the length of 1 page)

[/quote]
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