"No More Than 650 words"

[bhchamp]

<p>Since the common-app has changed its regulations, I guess this would be a time to discuss this. </p>

<p>Before the common-app said "approximately 250-500" words, meaning there was no limit (technically). Now, however, it says NO MORE than 650 words. </p>

<p>Is this a limit?</p>

<p>Right now my essay is ~800 words after lots of revising (original draft had ~1000). Would it be a really bad idea to send in this many words if I really can't get it down without taking away necessary sentences? Will the common-app even allow more than 650? </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

[halcyonheather]

<p>

Will the common-app even allow more than 650?

</p>

<p>No, I don’t believe so. </p>

<p>I think they used to limit you at 500 words. </p>

<p>

Right now my essay is ~800 words after lots of revising (original draft had ~1000). Would it be a really bad idea to send in this many words if I really can’t get it down without taking away necessary sentences?

</p>

<p>In my experience, cutting things down like that just doesn’t work. The writing gets choppy and you lose a lot. I don’t think you should go from 1000 words to 650…it’d probably be better to just write a different essay.</p>

[gibby]

<p>In years past, while students were given a word limit, they could upload a document that pretty much ignored the limit. The new common application no longer allows for uploaded documents. Students must type their essay into a text box that will have a character limit. So, your essay really cannot exceed 650 words.</p>

[gibby]

<p>See:<a href=“http://www.leaprogram.com/collegebound/2013/05/common-app-changes-coming[/url]”>http://www.leaprogram.com/collegebound/2013/05/common-app-changes-coming&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>

No Essay Upload: Previously students crafted their essay in a Word document and uploaded it to the application. New is a text box for the essay where students can type or cut and paste. It will allow you to bold, italicize or underline for emphasis.</p>

<p>Strictly Enforced Maximum Words: In the past, students aimed for 500 words, but were not cut off at 500. This coming cycle the essay box will show how many words used, but will only put into the application the first 650 words if you go over. Word choice and concision is essential.

</p>

[ycex34]

<p>I think u’d better not write more than 650 words.</p>

[gibby]

<p>^^ Or, if you don’t, your 800 word essay will be cut-off in the middle of a sentence, wherever that 650 word-limit cuts it off.</p>

[Classof2015]

<p>Common app also says it’s a limit, not a goal. You could definitely write a perfectly good essay that’s 450-500 words and call it a day.</p>

[soontobegrad]

<p>Yeah there are more stringent limits this year. It must be under 650</p>

[BrownParent]

<p>Even if you could, you’d never want to push the rule more than a sentence or two (regardless if there are a few famous cases of doing so). I just shows that 1) you can’t follow directions or worse, think they don’t apply to you, or 2) you can’t do the work to get it into shape or you are picking an ‘story’ too large for the scope of the 650 words.</p>

[movemetoo]

<p>Seems like a good opportunity to show that you can follow directions.</p>