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Common App essay word counter
The Common App personal essay must be 250–650 words. Pick a prompt, draft here and watch the count; your draft saves in this browser.
Writing a strong Common App essay
- Choose a story only you could tell, then show what it reveals about how you think.
- Most strong essays use 550–650 words: enough room for detail and reflection.
- Paste into the Common App as plain text; formatting like italics may not carry over.
The prompt summaries above are paraphrased. Read the official wording in your Common App account.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 650-word limit strict?
Yes. The Common App won't let you submit more than 650 words in the personal essay box.
Does the prompt matter?
Less than the essay itself. Prompt 7 lets you write about anything.