Common App Essay Word Limit

The maximum number of words you can submit for your Common App essay is 650. It must also be a minimum of 250 words.

If your essays do not adhere to these guidelines, you will not be able to submit your essay online using the Common Application system.

Remember that the Common App essay is designed to test your ability to write clearly and concisely, so it's in your best interest to work to these word limits. 

To try and hit this word limit, take a look at our sections on the Common App Format and Structure, which will help you organise the content of your essay coherently.

The information here will help you see what is missing/needs adding to, and which parts could be cut.

Our collection of Common App Essay Examples can also help you decide which information to include in your essay, and keep your word count down.

Further information

For more tips and advice on putting together your common application for college, please see: