How strict are colleges about the word count for the Common App essay?

Colleges are very strict about the 650-word limit for the Common App essay. The Common App system itself won’t let you submit an essay that goes over the word count—if you try, it either won’t accept your essay or it’ll automatically cut it off at 650 words. That means anything beyond 650 simply will not be seen by admissions officers, and you might end up with your essay ending mid-sentence if you try to submit something too long.

It’s definitely important to cut your essay down to 650 words or fewer. While it can be tough to trim content without feeling like you’re losing your voice, this is actually a great opportunity to focus your message and make your writing even stronger. Take a close look at each sentence and see if there’s any way to make your wording tighter or more direct. Sometimes, even removing a few extra adjectives or simplifying your phrasing can make a big difference.

For example, instead of writing, “I have always been extremely passionate about pursuing opportunities in the realm of environmental science,” you could say, “I’m passionate about environmental science.” This simple change saves you several words and might help your voice actually sound clearer and more genuine.

You don’t need to worry about missing a huge part of your story by making these kinds of edits. In fact, the strongest essays often have a laser-sharp focus and use concise, vivid language. If you’re really struggling, sometimes it helps to have a friend, teacher, or counselor read it and suggest what could be cut without losing your personal touch.

So in short: yes, you absolutely need to stay at or under 650 words for the Common App essay, as exceeding it just isn’t an option. Trimming 12 words is possible—and can even help make your message stand out!