What is the Common App essay word limit and how strictly is it enforced?

Question

I'm starting my personal statement and keep hearing different things about how long it should be. I know the Common App has a word limit, but I'm not sure whether going a little over is allowed or if the system cuts it off automatically.

I'm trying to plan my draft length before I get too attached to a version that's too long.

I'm trying to plan my draft length before I get too attached to a version that's too long.

Accepted Answer

The Common App personal statement has a 650-word maximum.

If your essay is over 650, the Common App will not let you submit it as-is. In practice, you should assume there is no grace margin at all. Do not plan on being 651 or 655 and hoping it goes through.

The text box on the Common App includes a word counter, so you can track this directly while pasting or typing. If you draft in Google Docs or Word, check the count there too, but trust the Common App count at the end since formatting and pasted text can sometimes affect what gets counted.

What is the Common App essay word limit and how strictly is it enforced?

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