Is it a good idea to use the full word limit on college essays?
I've been working on my Common App personal statement and I noticed there's a maximum word count. My essay is currently around 580 words, but the limit is 650.
Should I be aiming to use as many words as possible or is it fine to submit something quite a bit under the limit if I feel like my story is clear and complete? I feel like if I try to add more, it might end up being filler, but at the same time, I'm worried colleges will think I didn't put in enough effort if it's not close to the max. Has anyone had luck with essays well below the word limit, or should I try to fill it out more?
Any advice is really welcome since I'm second guessing everything right now.
Should I be aiming to use as many words as possible or is it fine to submit something quite a bit under the limit if I feel like my story is clear and complete? I feel like if I try to add more, it might end up being filler, but at the same time, I'm worried colleges will think I didn't put in enough effort if it's not close to the max. Has anyone had luck with essays well below the word limit, or should I try to fill it out more?
Any advice is really welcome since I'm second guessing everything right now.
2 weeks ago
•
4 views
Roger Lopez
• 2 weeks ago
Advisor
You're not alone—many students wonder if they have to max out the word count to write a strong essay. The truth is, quality matters much more than quantity. Admissions readers care about the insight and authenticity in your story, not how close you are to 650 words. In fact, most successful Common App essays tend to fall somewhere between 600-650 words, but that doesn't mean going shorter will hurt you as long as your narrative shines.
If your essay is about 580 words and you feel it's clear, compelling, and gives admissions officers a strong sense of who you are, that’s perfectly fine. The danger in adding extra words just to hit the cap is that your essay can start to feel padded or repetitive. Readers can often tell when something’s been stretched out to meet a limit. On the other hand, make sure that you're not leaving out meaningful details or potential layers. Consider having someone else read your draft—sometimes an outside perspective can spot where you could expand on an idea or add an anecdote that deepens your narrative.
For example, if your essay talks about a moment when you challenged a school policy, but quickly moves on from your thought process or how you acted upon your convictions, that could be a place to flesh out your experience. Maybe there's a brief scene or dialogue you could add that makes the moment more vivid, rather than just tacking on unnecessary words.
Many students have submitted essays well below the max word count and been admitted to top schools. The main thing is to avoid anything that feels abrupt or unfinished. If 580 words is the best, most natural version of your story, it’s better than 650 words that drag. Aim for thoughtful self-reflection and detailed storytelling, but don’t force yourself to say more just for the sake of saying it.
Trust your instincts, and focus on clarity and authenticity. If later you realize there’s a place to enrich your essay meaningfully, go for it! Otherwise, being slightly under the word limit is totally acceptable.
If your essay is about 580 words and you feel it's clear, compelling, and gives admissions officers a strong sense of who you are, that’s perfectly fine. The danger in adding extra words just to hit the cap is that your essay can start to feel padded or repetitive. Readers can often tell when something’s been stretched out to meet a limit. On the other hand, make sure that you're not leaving out meaningful details or potential layers. Consider having someone else read your draft—sometimes an outside perspective can spot where you could expand on an idea or add an anecdote that deepens your narrative.
For example, if your essay talks about a moment when you challenged a school policy, but quickly moves on from your thought process or how you acted upon your convictions, that could be a place to flesh out your experience. Maybe there's a brief scene or dialogue you could add that makes the moment more vivid, rather than just tacking on unnecessary words.
Many students have submitted essays well below the max word count and been admitted to top schools. The main thing is to avoid anything that feels abrupt or unfinished. If 580 words is the best, most natural version of your story, it’s better than 650 words that drag. Aim for thoughtful self-reflection and detailed storytelling, but don’t force yourself to say more just for the sake of saying it.
Trust your instincts, and focus on clarity and authenticity. If later you realize there’s a place to enrich your essay meaningfully, go for it! Otherwise, being slightly under the word limit is totally acceptable.
Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years