<p>Apparently the Common Application is purposely vague with regard to maximum length on the "big" essay. And, it seems that virtually everyone has a different opinion as to the proper word count. I've seen a recommendation of 500 words on some sites and know of people who were successful with longer essays as well. How long should it actually be? Surely there is some maximum word count beyond which it's just too long no matter how great the writing.</p>
<p>Definitely condense the essay to within 500 words. There are several advantages:</p>
<p>Essay retains more depth
Fewer chances of straying off topic
Message is clearer
Readers do not become nearly as bored
etc.</p>
<p>Longer essays are more suitable for supplements, especially when dealing with disgusting prompts that University of Chicago likes to throw around. For the purposes or CommonApp though, 500 should be the maximum.</p>
<p>Hi, are there are more opinions regarding this issue?</p>
<p>My common application is around 900 words (it started at 2000). It deals with issues of my own hospitalization, my friends and roomates death, and my subsequent recovery and dedication to research to cure cancer. It details this through telling a story about the ethical dilemia I faced this summmer while researching at the NIH, NCI. (This is much oversimplified).</p>
<p>So it has a lot of information, but do you think that this is still too long? I am applying to selective schools.</p>
<p>I would say 900 is a little long. Remember the colleges have to read a lot of essays everyday, so condense it a little. I would say anything from 550-650 will be good!
But if you’re really sure your essay is very very interesting, then go for it! But I would still say around 600 because it keeps your essay precise and to the point.</p>
<p>Thanks. I am going to try to cut it down to AT MOST 2 pages. So I guess which is approximately 650 words. I am so glad I found this website though, because until then I had no idea that 900 was too many! Thanks again :)</p>