Does the title count toward the word count for college essays?
I'm working on my Common App essay and I've written a title that I really love. But now I'm wondering if that title counts towards the word limit. For example, if the essay has a 650 word limit and my title is, say, five words, does that mean I can only write 645 more words? Or is the title not included in the word count at all?
I just want to make sure I'm not accidentally going over the limit, because I know how strict the application can be. Has anyone asked admissions officers about this, or had problems with it?
Any clarification would be super helpful before I start making big edits.
I just want to make sure I'm not accidentally going over the limit, because I know how strict the application can be. Has anyone asked admissions officers about this, or had problems with it?
Any clarification would be super helpful before I start making big edits.
1 week ago
•
18 views
Camille L.
• 1 week ago
Advisor
You don’t need to worry about the title counting towards the word count for your Common App essay, because the platform doesn’t provide a dedicated space for a title and most college applications don’t require or expect one. When you input your essay on the Common App, there’s just a text box for the body of your essay—no separate field for a title. If you do include a title as part of the main essay text, those words will count toward your 650-word limit, since the system checks the total number of words in the essay box. So yes, if you start your essay off with a 5-word title and include it in the same field as your essay, you’ll only have 645 words left for the rest of your narrative.
In practice, very few students use a title on their Common App essay, and admissions officers are used to seeing essays that jump straight into the opening line or story. If you really love your title, you should only include it if it adds significant meaning or sets the tone for your essay in a way you can’t accomplish through your opening lines. Make sure it’s meaningful and not just taking up valuable space.
For example, if your essay centers on a unique phrase or concept tied to your identity, such as “Code-Switching: My True Native Language,” and that phrase frames your entire piece, it might make sense to include it at the top. But be intentional—every word counts in these essays, so ask yourself if the title is the best use of your word budget.
To sum up: If you include a title in the essay text box, it absolutely does count towards your word limit, and the Common App will not let you submit an essay that exceeds 650 words. Double-check your final word count before submitting to avoid technical hiccups. If you want to prioritize story and substance, feel free to skip the title and dive right in!
In practice, very few students use a title on their Common App essay, and admissions officers are used to seeing essays that jump straight into the opening line or story. If you really love your title, you should only include it if it adds significant meaning or sets the tone for your essay in a way you can’t accomplish through your opening lines. Make sure it’s meaningful and not just taking up valuable space.
For example, if your essay centers on a unique phrase or concept tied to your identity, such as “Code-Switching: My True Native Language,” and that phrase frames your entire piece, it might make sense to include it at the top. But be intentional—every word counts in these essays, so ask yourself if the title is the best use of your word budget.
To sum up: If you include a title in the essay text box, it absolutely does count towards your word limit, and the Common App will not let you submit an essay that exceeds 650 words. Double-check your final word count before submitting to avoid technical hiccups. If you want to prioritize story and substance, feel free to skip the title and dive right in!
Camille L.
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating