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) |
| Common App activity descriptions | 150 characters each |
| Common App additional info section | 300 words (first-year applicants, since 2025–26) |
| Typical supplemental essays | 150–300 words |
Tip: Aim to use at least 500 words for the Common App personal statement. A much shorter essay often leaves out the reflection — what an experience means to you — that colleges are looking for. See the Common App essay word limit page for the 2026–27 prompts and every Common App limit.
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.