<p>So the MAX Limit is 650 this year.</p>
<p>What's a good essay size?</p>
<p>I’ve read and critiqued a lot of essays, and my personal preference is still for 500 words or less. Face it. Most essays are not worthy of Pulitzer Prizes, but shorter ones (not too short) can be more bearable. The Common App website won’t accept less than 250 words. My advice would be to aim for 400-500 words. That way, if you go over a bit, you won’t worry.</p>
<p>I have found that most students put too much detail into an essay. Trimming it to 500 words will help keep it more focused.</p>