How strict are colleges about the college essay word count limit?
I'm starting to draft my college essays and I've noticed that most of the prompts have a word limit, like the Common App essay says a max of 650 words. I'm a bit nervous because my first draft came out to around 700 words and after trying to cut things down, it's still over by about 30 words.
Will colleges automatically reject my essay if it's over the limit? Do they even read past 650 or just stop? Is it like, totally non-negotiable, or is there ever any wiggle room?
Also, how picky are they about going under the minimum word count? My supplement for one school is about 190 words for a 250 word max, and I feel like it's complete, but is that weird?
Will colleges automatically reject my essay if it's over the limit? Do they even read past 650 or just stop? Is it like, totally non-negotiable, or is there ever any wiggle room?
Also, how picky are they about going under the minimum word count? My supplement for one school is about 190 words for a 250 word max, and I feel like it's complete, but is that weird?
5 days ago
•
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Camille L.
• 5 days ago
Advisor
Colleges are actually quite strict about the word count limits, especially for major application platforms like the Common App, where the interface usually won’t let you submit an essay that’s even one word over the maximum. For example, if the prompt says 650 words is the max, the Common App will literally cut your essay off at 650 words, so anything past that won’t even get sent to admissions. If your essay is 680 or 700 words, you’ll need to revise it down, even if you feel like the stories or points you’ve shared are important. It’s about making every word count!
While you won’t get automatically "rejected" for accidentally going over by a few words on a school-specific supplement (for colleges where you upload or paste the essay), you still don’t want to risk coming across as careless or not following directions. Being concise shows admissions officers that you respect their time and can follow instructions—important qualities for a prospective student.
For example, let’s say you’re working on a Brown or UC essay and it’s 260 words for a 250-word max. An officer might still read it, but it could leave a less positive impression, especially if the online system allows a little overage. Best practice is to stay within a couple of words below or right at the limit.
On the other hand, being far under the max (like 190 words for a 250-word limit) isn’t an automatic problem, but you’re missing out on an opportunity to show more about yourself. Admissions officers notice when applicants don’t take full advantage of the space available. If the supplement feels complete at 190, read it with a critical eye: do you have enough detail, specific anecdotes, or examples? Could you add a vivid story or reflection? For instance, if you’ve said, "I love helping people," see if you can add a moment or description that brings that to life, even if it’s just an extra sentence or two.
In summary: always respect the max word count as non-negotiable—cut your essay until it fits. For minimums, aim to get close so you’re not missing opportunities, but quality matters more than quantity if it truly feels finished.
One famous example—students who shave essays down to fit 650 for Common App often end up with even stronger essays, because every word has to have a purpose. Getting creative with phrasing can help you say just as much in less space!
While you won’t get automatically "rejected" for accidentally going over by a few words on a school-specific supplement (for colleges where you upload or paste the essay), you still don’t want to risk coming across as careless or not following directions. Being concise shows admissions officers that you respect their time and can follow instructions—important qualities for a prospective student.
For example, let’s say you’re working on a Brown or UC essay and it’s 260 words for a 250-word max. An officer might still read it, but it could leave a less positive impression, especially if the online system allows a little overage. Best practice is to stay within a couple of words below or right at the limit.
On the other hand, being far under the max (like 190 words for a 250-word limit) isn’t an automatic problem, but you’re missing out on an opportunity to show more about yourself. Admissions officers notice when applicants don’t take full advantage of the space available. If the supplement feels complete at 190, read it with a critical eye: do you have enough detail, specific anecdotes, or examples? Could you add a vivid story or reflection? For instance, if you’ve said, "I love helping people," see if you can add a moment or description that brings that to life, even if it’s just an extra sentence or two.
In summary: always respect the max word count as non-negotiable—cut your essay until it fits. For minimums, aim to get close so you’re not missing opportunities, but quality matters more than quantity if it truly feels finished.
One famous example—students who shave essays down to fit 650 for Common App often end up with even stronger essays, because every word has to have a purpose. Getting creative with phrasing can help you say just as much in less space!
Camille L.
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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5 years
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