What is the maximum word count for a college essay?
I'm currently working on my Common App essay, and I noticed there's a word limit but I'm not totally sure what happens if you go over.
Does anyone know what the actual maximum word count is for college essays like the Common App or the Coalition App? Also, is it like a hard cutoff or is there a little leeway?
I want to make sure I don't mess up my application by submitting something that's too long. Would love any insight, especially from people who already submitted theirs last year. I always end up writing way too much and have to cut a ton, so I just want to be sure I'm following all the rules.
Does anyone know what the actual maximum word count is for college essays like the Common App or the Coalition App? Also, is it like a hard cutoff or is there a little leeway?
I want to make sure I don't mess up my application by submitting something that's too long. Would love any insight, especially from people who already submitted theirs last year. I always end up writing way too much and have to cut a ton, so I just want to be sure I'm following all the rules.
4 weeks ago
•
27 views
Roger Lopez
• 4 weeks ago
Advisor
For the Common App essay, the maximum word count is 650 words, and the system has a hard cutoff. If your essay is even one word over, the application will not allow you to submit it—you’ll need to cut it down until it fits within the 650-word limit. The minimum is also important: Common App recommends at least 250 words, but there’s no advantage to going under unless your essay is extremely focused and effective.
The Coalition App has a maximum word count of 650 words too, depending on the prompt, so the rules are very similar across major platforms. For most college-specific supplemental essays, you’ll see different word limits, ranging from 100 to 500+ words, but these are specified in each prompt. When it comes to supplements, if a prompt says 250 words, that’s also typically the maximum, and the application portal may cut you off if you try to paste in something longer.
If your essay is too long, it’s usually not just the online portal that will cut off the excess text—admissions officers might also see a sign that you’re not great at following directions, if you try to get sneaky and upload a longer essay in a different file or format. It’s always best to stick to the limit.
My advice is to write a longer draft if you need to, then revise carefully. Focus on keeping what’s most essential to your story, and cut phrases or anecdotes that don’t directly show your personality or growth. Sometimes this is tough, but it’s better to have a clear, concise essay than one that rambles. For example, if you started with 900 words, challenge yourself to highlight your most meaningful moment or impact, and cut any background or explanations that aren’t central to your narrative.
If you’re worried about trimming down, try reading your essay out loud or asking a friend for feedback. They might spot where it can be tightened up. Just remember: 650 is a hard line for the Common App main essay, so plan your revisions accordingly!
The Coalition App has a maximum word count of 650 words too, depending on the prompt, so the rules are very similar across major platforms. For most college-specific supplemental essays, you’ll see different word limits, ranging from 100 to 500+ words, but these are specified in each prompt. When it comes to supplements, if a prompt says 250 words, that’s also typically the maximum, and the application portal may cut you off if you try to paste in something longer.
If your essay is too long, it’s usually not just the online portal that will cut off the excess text—admissions officers might also see a sign that you’re not great at following directions, if you try to get sneaky and upload a longer essay in a different file or format. It’s always best to stick to the limit.
My advice is to write a longer draft if you need to, then revise carefully. Focus on keeping what’s most essential to your story, and cut phrases or anecdotes that don’t directly show your personality or growth. Sometimes this is tough, but it’s better to have a clear, concise essay than one that rambles. For example, if you started with 900 words, challenge yourself to highlight your most meaningful moment or impact, and cut any background or explanations that aren’t central to your narrative.
If you’re worried about trimming down, try reading your essay out loud or asking a friend for feedback. They might spot where it can be tightened up. Just remember: 650 is a hard line for the Common App main essay, so plan your revisions accordingly!
Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years