How strict are colleges about essay length limits?

Colleges are definitely serious about essay length limits, especially for the Common App personal statement. The Common App itself actually enforces the 650-word maximum—it won’t let you submit an essay that goes over the limit. If your draft is 670 words, you’ll need to trim it down before you can upload it successfully.

Most colleges using their own application portals or supplemental essays are also pretty strict about the word limits. While you might be able to paste an essay that’s a few words over into some school-specific portals, it’s not a good idea to go above what they recommend. Admissions officers expect you to follow instructions and being concise is part of the skill they're looking for. Some schools cut off your essay at the maximum and others may read the whole thing, but either way, exceeding the limit can come across as not following directions.

It’s tough to cut words, especially when you feel like everything is important. What helps is to look for sentences that repeat ideas, can be condensed, or don’t add new insight. Even small edits—changing phrases like "in order to" into "to"—can make a big difference. Sometimes asking a friend, teacher, or advisor to look for spots to trim helps, since they’ll have a fresher perspective. For example, if you have a paragraph that gives two stories to make the same point, consider picking the one that’s more vivid or meaningful and tightening it.

As for supplements, word count is just as important. Some supplement prompts have hard limits built into their submission forms, and others may just say "no more than 250 words." Either way, try to stay at or—at most—within 1-2 words under the stated maximum.

In short, yes, you do have to keep your essay at or under the official limit. Doing so ensures that your work is read as intended and presents you as someone who can follow directions—a valuable trait in a college applicant.