How long should the Common App essay be?

The Common App essay has a word limit of 650 words, but that doesn’t mean you need to use every single one. Most strong essays land somewhere between 550 and 650 words. Think of it like telling a great story at dinner. Long enough to be meaningful, short enough to keep everyone interested. If it’s under 500 words, it might feel too thin. If it’s over 650, the system will cut you off, even if you’re in the middle of a brilliant point. Focus on clarity, depth, and personality. Every sentence should move the story forward. Quality over quantity wins every time. So write with intention, revise with care, and make sure the final version fits the word count and still sounds like you.