How Long Should a College Application Essay Be?
Other People Are Reading
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Include Enough Information
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An admissions essay prompt will likely have several parts. You must address all of these in your essay in a way that contributes to an understanding of your character and aptitudes. This is a difficult task, and to do it well you must include plenty of information. Without supporting details, it is difficult to relay a convincing description of yourself to a group of strangers.
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Quality Over Quantity
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While it is crucial to include details that make you stand out to the admissions department, too much information can bog down your essay. This is distracting and can lose the attention of your readers. Make your essay succinct and well-written. Ask a family member or friend to read your work to help you pinpoint which information contributes to the essay as a whole.
Bottom Line
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Convey pertinent details in as few words as possible, being descriptive enough that someone who does not know you understands your personal qualities. According to the book "Fiske Real College Essays That Work," it is wise to write less than 500 words if the college does not specify a specific word length. Peruse published collections of exemplary essays if you are still unsure how to succinctly answer your essay prompt.
References
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