How strict are college essay word limits and what happens if you go over?
I'm working on my Common App essay and I just realized my current draft is around 670 words, which is a bit over the 650 word limit. I'm having trouble cutting it down without losing some of the things I think are important.
Do colleges actually check the exact word count, and will they throw out my essay if it's a bit too long? I'm nervous because I've put a lot of effort into making sure my ideas flow, and I don't want to hurt my chances over something like this. Also, do supplemental essays have the same level of strictness with word limits?
It would be really helpful to hear how strict the word counts are and how people manage to trim their essays without ruining their story.
Do colleges actually check the exact word count, and will they throw out my essay if it's a bit too long? I'm nervous because I've put a lot of effort into making sure my ideas flow, and I don't want to hurt my chances over something like this. Also, do supplemental essays have the same level of strictness with word limits?
It would be really helpful to hear how strict the word counts are and how people manage to trim their essays without ruining their story.
4 months ago
•
89 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Great question—word limits on college essays can feel pretty unforgiving, especially when you’ve worked hard to make your essay flow. Here’s the reality: the Common App essay has a hard word limit of 650 words. If your essay is even one word over, the Common App text box actually won’t let you submit it. This means you’ll have to cut it down to 650 or less—there’s no wiggle room for the main essay.
For supplemental essays, policies can vary a bit more by college. Some application platforms might allow you to go slightly over the recommended word count, but most school's online forms (including the Common App and others) will also cut you off at the stated limit. Admissions readers are used to seeing essays hit the exact max word count, so don’t worry if your final draft is exactly at the limit—that’s very common.
So don’t panic, but you will need to trim your essay to fit. When cutting words, focus on sentences or phrases that repeat information, use more words than necessary, or aren’t essential to your main point. Sometimes, it helps to prioritize the most powerful moments or details that truly reveal who you are. For example, instead of writing, “I learned so much from my summer internship, gaining responsibility and developing my communication skills,” you could say, “My summer internship taught me responsibility and improved my communication.” You lose no meaning but save 10+ words.
Also, look for places where you can combine sentences or eliminate unnecessary introductions and transitions. Ask yourself: does every detail move your story forward or add insight about you? If not, that’s a great place to trim. Reading your essay out loud can help you spot places where you could tighten the language or cut redundancy.
Ultimately, admissions officers care much more about clarity, authenticity, and impact than whether you hit exactly 645 or 650 words. But you must stick to the limits to ensure your essay gets read. Don’t worry—most students need to edit down, and it almost always results in a sharper, more effective essay!
If you get really stuck, having someone else read your essay and point out what’s most memorable (and what could go) can be incredibly helpful. Good luck—you’re almost there!
For supplemental essays, policies can vary a bit more by college. Some application platforms might allow you to go slightly over the recommended word count, but most school's online forms (including the Common App and others) will also cut you off at the stated limit. Admissions readers are used to seeing essays hit the exact max word count, so don’t worry if your final draft is exactly at the limit—that’s very common.
So don’t panic, but you will need to trim your essay to fit. When cutting words, focus on sentences or phrases that repeat information, use more words than necessary, or aren’t essential to your main point. Sometimes, it helps to prioritize the most powerful moments or details that truly reveal who you are. For example, instead of writing, “I learned so much from my summer internship, gaining responsibility and developing my communication skills,” you could say, “My summer internship taught me responsibility and improved my communication.” You lose no meaning but save 10+ words.
Also, look for places where you can combine sentences or eliminate unnecessary introductions and transitions. Ask yourself: does every detail move your story forward or add insight about you? If not, that’s a great place to trim. Reading your essay out loud can help you spot places where you could tighten the language or cut redundancy.
Ultimately, admissions officers care much more about clarity, authenticity, and impact than whether you hit exactly 645 or 650 words. But you must stick to the limits to ensure your essay gets read. Don’t worry—most students need to edit down, and it almost always results in a sharper, more effective essay!
If you get really stuck, having someone else read your essay and point out what’s most memorable (and what could go) can be incredibly helpful. Good luck—you’re almost there!
Related Questions
Students also ask…
Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (5 reviews)