How Long Should a College Admissions Essay Be?

  1. There is an Expected Length

    • Most college admissions officers expect an admissions essay to be approximately 500 words, according to QuintessentialCareers.com. This can be achieved by following a five-paragraph essay style, with an introduction, three middle paragraphs and a conclusion. If you write roughly 100 words per paragraph, you should end up close to the 500-word guideline.

    Follow the Application Instructions

    • Although 500 words should be your guide, carefully read the application materials sent by each college, as some may want longer or shorter essays. If the college asks for a longer essay, keep the same basic format, but expand the individual paragraphs by the appropriate number of words.

    Bottom Line

    • Unless your application materials specify a different length, use 500 words as your goal for a college admissions essay. Structure your essay as a basic five-paragraph essay, and adjust the average length of your paragraphs to conform to the total word count you are aiming for.

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