Maximizing Your College Application Potential: Navigating the Common App Essay Word Limit for 2017
The Common App Essay Word Limit 2017: What You Need to Know
Are you planning to apply to colleges using the Common Application? Are you worried about sticking to the essay word limit of 650 words? Don’t worry, here’s what you need to know about the Common App Essay Word Limit 2017.
Firstly, what is the Common App essay? It is a required essay that is part of the Common Application used by over 800 universities and colleges in the United States. It gives students the opportunity to showcase themselves and their writing skills to college admissions officers.
So how important is this essay? According to a survey conducted by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), 26% of colleges consider the essay to be of considerable importance in the admissions process.
Now, let’s talk about the 650-word limit. You may be wondering why there’s even a word limit in the first place. Well, it’s simple - admissions officers read through hundreds of applications each day and need to be able to assess applicants fairly and efficiently.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to write exactly 650 words. The minimum word count is 250 words and while there isn’t an official maximum allowance, it’s better to stick to the 650-word limit if possible.
Okay, so you’ve decided to stick to the word limit. How do you make the most out of your 650 words? Start with a strong opening sentence that grabs the reader’s attention. Then, use transition words throughout your essay such as “furthermore,” “however,” and “nevertheless” to keep your writing flowing smoothly.
Next, make sure you’re answering the prompt and showcasing your personal qualities and experiences. The essay prompts change every year, so make sure you’re familiar with this year’s prompt before you start writing.
Remember, your essay should be authentic and reflect who you are as a person. Don’t try to mimic other successful essays you’ve read or be someone you’re not. Admissions officers can tell when an essay is genuine or fake.
When you’re finished writing, don’t forget to proofread and edit your essay multiple times. You can even ask a teacher, parent, or mentor to read it and provide feedback. A well-written essay that’s free of errors will make a much better impression on admissions officers.
In conclusion, while the Common App Essay Word Limit 2017 may seem daunting at first, it’s important to remember that it’s just one part of your college application. Use the word limit to your advantage by creating a strong, genuine essay that showcases your unique qualities and experiences.
So what are you waiting for? Start brainstorming, writing and editing that essay now to give yourself the best possible chance of getting into your dream college!
Introduction
The Common Application or commonly referred to as Common App is an online application system used by over 800 universities and colleges in the United States, Canada, and other countries. This platform allows students to apply to multiple universities using one application. One crucial part of the Common App is the essay section. Students are expected to write a personal statement, which will help admission officers learn more about them. In this article, we will discuss the Common App Essay Word Limit 2017, how it affected students, and tips on how to make your essay stand out.
What was the Common App Essay Word Limit for 2017?
In 2017 the Common App Essay Word Limit was set at a minimum of 250 words and a maximum of 650. This word limit is still in effect today, and students are advised to stick to it to avoid automatic rejection. The purpose of the word limit is to give all students an equal opportunity to express themselves without either cramming the essay with words or leaving it too sparse.
What did students think about the Common App Essay Word Limit?
Various students expressed mixed feelings about the word limit. Some believed that 650 words were not sufficient to showcase their life experiences and personalities. A survey carried out by PrepScholar showed that an overwhelming 87% of students preferred a higher word count to express themselves better. Some even stated that they had to compromise essential elements of their essay to fit the word count.
On the other hand, some students welcomed the word count as it encouraged them to be concise and precise with their message. The admissions office also appreciated the fact that students could convey their message within a set limit, thereby avoiding the tedious task of reading through lengthy essays.
Tips to make your Common App Essay stand out
The Common App essay is an opportunity to stand out and showcase exclusive personal experiences, skills, and ambitions. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this opportunity:
1. Create an outline:
An outline will help you organize your thoughts, draft relevant points, and create a visual image of the entire essay. This exercise will enable you to identify any gaps in your narrative and adjust accordingly.
2. Tell your story:
Make sure your essay tells a compelling story that expresses who you are as a person. Use anecdotes, metaphors, or any literary element that best describes your personality. Be creative in your writing but avoid being too abstract.
3. Be authentic:
Avoid trying to be someone you are not. The admissions office is looking for genuine and unique individuals, so be yourself. Write using your voice and express your true thoughts and feelings.
4. Proofread:
Ensure that your essay has no grammar or spelling errors. Silly mistakes can detract from the message you are trying to convey and lose you critical points. Have someone else read your essay also to help spot any mistakes that you might have missed.
Conclusion
The Common App essay Word Limit 2017 was set at 250-650 words. The limit encourages students to be concise while expressing their message thoroughly. Some students preferred a higher word count, while others welcomed the limit. Tips to make your essay stand out included creating an outline, telling a compelling story, being authentic, and proofreading. Remember, the essay is an opportunity to stand out and express who you are, so make every word count.
Common App Essay Word Limit 2017: A Comparison
The Common Application has been the go-to option for students seeking admission to college since its introduction in 1975. While the application process remains similar, specific parameters tend to change annually. This article compares the Common App Essay Word Limit for the 2016 and 2017 cycles.
The Word Limit in Common App Essay in 2016
In 2016, the Common Application essay had a word limit of 650 words, the same limit that had existed since the previous year. While there was no minimum or maximum limit, the majority of applicants tended to hit the maximum limit.
This did not pose significant challenges for students; instead, most students seemed pleased with the limit. Some went through numerous rounds of revision to produce their best work, while others overshot the limit before reworking their essays to reduce their word count.
Pros and Cons of Common App Essay Word Limit 2016
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It provided applicants with enough room to express themselves fully, allowing them to articulate their interests, achievements, and aspirations. | The absence of a minimum threshold meant that some students failed to provide sufficient detail about themselves. |
| The limit allowed admission officers to assess the student's writing skills and ability to convey their ideas compellingly. | The upper limit often led to a focus on quantity over quality, making some students include unnecessary details. |
The Word Limit in Common App Essay in 2017
In 2017, the Common Application removed the topic of your choice essay prompt, which had previously allowed students to decide on the subject matter for their essay. The application had replaced it with new essay prompts that included one option for writing without a word limit while the other required a 650-word essay. The new prompts were:
- The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
- Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? (650 words or fewer).
- Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
- Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Pros and Cons of Common App Essay Word Limit 2017
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The removal of the topic of your choice prompt spurred creativity and encouraged students to select an essay topic that resonated with them. | Some applicants tended to overshoot the word limits, making it hard for admission officers to go through every applicant's essays. |
| The two options allowed students opportunities to showcase critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making it easier for admission officers to assess the student's eligibility for admission. | The removal of one prompt made the application more rigid, limiting the subject choices that students could select for their essays. |
Conclusion
The Common App Essay Word Limit 2017 brought about significant changes compared to the previous cycle. While each version had its benefits and limitations, the need for students to express themselves adequately in their college application essay remained constant. Ultimately, the admission officers are looking for an essay that is engaging, well-written, and communicates who you are as a person. So, choose a prompt that speaks to you and write as much or as little as you need.
Common App Essay Word Limit 2017: Tips and Tricks
Introduction
Common App, or Common Application, is an online platform where students can apply to multiple colleges and universities at once. One of the requirements for applying through the Common App is writing an essay. The essay allows college admissions officers to evaluate a student's personality, skills, and qualifications outside of their academic credentials. As of 2017, the Common App essay has a word limit of 650 words. Given that the essay is one of the essential parts of the application process, it's vital to ensure that you use the allotted word limit effectively.Preparing for Your Essay
Before diving into writing your essay, it's essential to understand the prompt and brainstorm ideas. The prompt for the essay changes annually; however, all prompts are designed to elicit unique responses from applicants. Read and reread the prompt, taking note of the keywords and focus on the questions asked. Brainstorming involves generating several ideas related to the prompt and then narrowing them down to one or two ideas you'd like to explore further in your essay.Structuring Your Essay
The structure of an essay plays a significant role in how well the reader understands and receives the content. An excellent essay structure should have an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should capture the reader's attention and provide background information about the topic. The body, usually divided into three paragraphs, should explore and expand on the ideas in the introduction. The conclusion should summarize the main points and provide a concluding statement.Paragraph 1
- Stay Within the Word Limit: One of the significant tips for writing the Common App essay is sticking to the word count. Admissions officers will not read beyond the required word limit.- Avoid Redundancy: Another essential tip is to avoid using repetition, as this uses up valuable words. Instead, focus on being precise and straightforward in your writing.Paragraph 2
- Be Authentic: College admission officers will read hundreds of essays and are trained to determine a student's authenticity. Therefore, it's crucial to write an essay that accurately reflects your personality and experiences.- Use Active Voice: Using the active voice is another critical aspect of writing an essay. Doing so makes your writing more concise and impactful.Paragraph 3
- Begin with a Hook: Similar to novels, essays require a hook that captures the reader's attention. Writing a creative opening line or paragraph can be the difference between getting accepted or rejected.- Show Don't Tell: Rather than telling the reader about your achievements, it's better to show them. Use specific examples and anecdotes to support your claims.Paragraph 5
- Edit, Edit, and Edit Again: After finishing your essay, take the time to review and edit it. This involves checking for grammar errors, run-on sentences, and typos. Have someone else read through your essay as well to provide additional feedback.- Avoid Clichés: Overused phrases and clichés should be avoided as much as possible. Using unique expressions and diction that better reflect your voice will set your essay apart.Paragraph 6
- Stick to the Prompt: While it's essential to reflect your thoughts and personality, it's also crucial to remain within the prompt. Some prompts may ask you to provide specific information, such as a personal story or how you will contribute to the college community.- Know Your Audience: Understanding who will be reading and evaluating your essay can give you an advantage in writing. Research the college you're applying to and see what values they prioritize or emphasize.Paragraph 7
- Don't Get Overwhelmed: Writing essays can be overwhelming, but it's essential to remain calm and stay focused. Pretend as if you're having a conversation with the admissions officer and allow your thoughts to flow naturally.- Start Early: Starting early will give you enough time to research, draft, edit, and proofread your essay thoroughly. Doing so can also help you avoid last-minute stress and panic.Conclusion
In conclusion, writing the Common App essay creates an opportunity to express yourself and stand out from other applicants. Remember to use the word limit effectively, brainstorm ideas, use active voice, show don't tell, and know your audience. With sufficient preparation and effort, you may just write an essay that impresses the admissions team and gets you one step closer to your dream school.Common App Essay Word Limit 2017: What You Need to Know
If you're a college applicant for this year, you're probably already familiar with the Common Application, an online college application system that is used by over 800 colleges and universities in the United States and around the world.
One of the most important parts of the Common App is the essay section, which allows you to show off your personality, share your experiences, and set yourself apart from other applicants.
However, one of the biggest challenges of writing your Common App essay is staying within the word limit. In 2017, the word limit for the essay remains the same as it has been in previous years: you must write between 250 and 650 words.
So why is the Common App essay word limit so important? And how can you make sure that you stay within it while crafting a compelling, impactful essay? In this article, we'll explore these questions and more to help you succeed in your college application journey.
Why Is the Common App Essay Word Limit Important?
The word limit for the Common App essay is important for a few reasons. First and foremost, it ensures that every applicant has an equal opportunity to share their story and demonstrate their writing skills.
Without a word limit, applicants would be able to submit essays of any length, which could be unfair to those who struggle with writing or who have less time to devote to their application.
Additionally, the word limit encourages applicants to be concise and thoughtful in their writing. Admissions officers have a limited amount of time to read through thousands of essays, so it's important to make every word count.
Writing a strong essay in 650 words or less forces you to really think about what you want to say and how to say it effectively.
How Can You Stay Within the Common App Essay Word Limit?
Staying within the Common App essay word limit can be a challenge, but there are several strategies you can use to make it easier.
First and foremost, start early and give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and revise your essay. Rushing to finish your essay at the last minute will only increase the likelihood of going over the word limit.
Next, use an outline or a plan to organize your ideas before you begin writing. Having a clear structure in place can help you avoid rambling or going off-topic, both of which can lead to a longer essay.
When you do start writing, be mindful of your word count and try to stay focused on your main points. Avoid including unnecessary filler words or details that don't add value to your essay.
Finally, make sure to proofread your essay carefully for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. If you need to make revisions or cut out sections of your essay to stay within the word limit, do so carefully and thoughtfully.
Tips for Crafting a Compelling Common App Essay
While staying within the word limit is important, it's also essential to craft an essay that captures your personality and impresses admissions officers.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you write your Common App essay:
- Start with a strong hook: A compelling introduction can grab the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading.
- Show, don't tell: Use specific details and anecdotes to illustrate your points and bring your essay to life.
- Be yourself: Your essay should showcase your unique perspective and personality, so don't be afraid to let your true self shine through.
- Edit, edit, edit: Your essay should be polished and error-free, so make sure to proofread it carefully and ask for feedback from others.
Closing Thoughts
The Common App essay word limit may seem daunting at first, but with the right mindset and approach, you can craft a compelling and impactful essay that stays within the guidelines. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to write and revise, stay focused on your main points, and use specific details and examples to bring your essay to life.
With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to writing a successful college application essay and standing out from the crowd.
Good luck!
People Also Ask About Common App Essay Word Limit 2017
What is the word limit for the Common App essay in 2017?
The word limit for the Common App essay in 2017 was 650 words.
Is the Common App essay word limit strict?
Yes, the Common App essay word limit is strict. Students should follow the word limit guidelines provided and make sure their essay does not exceed the limit.
What happens if I exceed the Common App essay word limit?
If you exceed the Common App essay word limit, the system will automatically cut off any excess words, and it may affect the quality and coherence of your essay.
Should I use the full 650 words for my Common App essay?
It depends. The word limit gave students the opportunity to share as much as they could, but it is not compulsory to use the full 650 words. It is better to focus on quality over quantity.
How can I make sure my Common App essay fits within the word limit?
Here are some tips:
- Write a rough draft with all your thoughts and emotions included.
- Edit your essay carefully, removing any unnecessary ideas or sentences.
- Avoid repeating yourself and being repetitive.
- Remember that quality is more important than quantity.