<p>Hi, I just finished writing my first draft of my common app essay. Right now it stands at around 900+ words and around one page and slightly less than half of the second page. Is there room to expand on this essay or should I trim the fat? How many words, if one can ask such a general question, is too long of an essay?
Thanks</p>
<p>In the past, the maximum word limit was 500. (but it since has lifted)
I think 900 words is a bit much. If trimming it will harm the quality, then dont.</p>
<p>Because in several college essay books (such as the notable ones by Michelle Hernandez) the essays shown are quite long, even longer than 1,000 words, so I am not quite sure where the limit really is.</p>
<p>I would be very careful since college admissions people dont want to spend more than 5 or so minutes reading an essay. I would really try to cut it down and keep it interesting, but there is no limit, so good luck.</p>
<p>^THERE IS NO LIMIT. But I would say that you should probably keep it under two pages because: (1) excessive writing, (2) no one wants to read 20,000 2+ page papers, (3) it will make it easier for you (=</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses guys, yea I am sure my essay will be under two pages by a large margin.</p>