Common App Essay Word Count: What You Need to Know

Common App essay word count has a hard limit of 650 words. The minimum is 250, but almost nobody submits that short, competitive essays usually run 500–650 words.

The text box won't let you paste over 650. Word and Google Docs will, so always do a final count before submitting. Our counter matches what the Common App will see.

Don't hit exactly 650 every time. An essay at 580 words that says something real beats a 649-word essay full of filler. Admissions officers can tell.

Supplemental essays vary by school, often 100–350 words. Check each college's requirements separately.