How long should a personal statement be?

Most personal statements clock in at around 500 to 650 words, especially if you are writing for the Common App. Think of it like telling a really good story to a friend without getting interrupted because they got bored. You want it to be long enough to show your personality, growth, and voice, but short enough that every word matters. If you are writing a personal statement for a scholarship or a specific university, double-check their word limit because some will give you a strict cap. When in doubt, stay focused, keep it under control, and resist the urge to turn it into a novel. Short, sharp, and meaningful will always win the race.