College Application Essay Counter
Common App personal statement: 250–650 words. Check yours here.
College application essay word limits
| Format / Type | Length / Limit |
|---|---|
| Common App personal statement | 250–650 words |
| UC Personal Insight Questions | 350 words each (8 questions, choose 4) |
| Coalition App essay | 500–650 words |
| Common App activity descriptions | 150 characters each |
| Common App additional info section | 650 words |
| Typical supplemental essays | 150–300 words |
Tip: Aim to use at least 500 words for the Common App personal statement. Admissions officers generally interpret a 300-word response to a 650-word prompt as a lack of depth or effort.
Frequently asked questions
The Common App measures essays by word count, not character count. The personal statement must be between 250 and 650 words. The word count displayed in the Common App editor is the official measure — minor differences of 1–3 words from this counter are normal.
You should aim for 500–650 words. A shorter essay can work if every sentence is purposeful, but most admissions consultants suggest writing close to the limit so you have room to develop your story and voice fully.
No — supplemental essays vary by school. Most run 150–300 words, though some schools set longer prompts. Check each school's instructions on the Common App.