<p>I originally wrote a fairly sizable essay for my extra-curricular short-answer (1370+ characters). However, after three rounds of revision, I've streamlined it a slighty-less-than-800-character affair. </p>
<p>My question: is less than 800 characters too short? I feel I adequately get my point (rather, "what I want to get") across. :</p>
<p>I don’t think you should add any if you think your point is concise and accurate.</p>
<p>My common app essay is 550 words. Is that too long?</p>
<p>If you feel you’ve transmitted everything you wanted to, I think it’s fine. You don’t want to add things just for the sake of it, admissions officers might find it tedious to read, because they’ll notice you added things just to add… idk if that makes sense. Just, “follow your heart”… (shush, I know it’s corny), and just say whatever you feel makes you a strong candidate for that college.</p>
<p>thirrdplanet,</p>
<p>Don’t worry, it’s not too long. They don’t count words one by one, but like you said, make sure you’re concise, and not repetitive in your essay. I know a girl who got into Yale and her essay was 600+ words.</p>