Maximizing Your Potential: Navigating the Common App Essay Word Limit of 2016-17

The Common App essay word limit for 2016-17 is 650 words. Make every word count and tell your story effectively to stand out from the crowd.

The Common Application essay has become an integral part of the college application process. It is a crucial piece that often determines whether or not a student gets accepted into their dream school. The 2016-17 Common App essay prompts remained unchanged, but one significant alteration was made to the application: the word limit.

As any seasoned writer knows, word count can be a blessing or a curse. Some may see the new word limit as an opportunity to showcase their writing skills, while others may feel restricted by the decrease in available words. Nonetheless, it is essential to understand the new guidelines and how they impact your application.

For the first time in several years, the Common App essay word limit has changed. This year, the maximum word count has been reduced from 650 to 500. This may not seem like a significant difference, but it does require applicants to be more concise and deliberate with their words.

Many students may initially panic at the thought of cutting down their essay by 150 words, but it is important to remember that the goal of the essay is not to reach the maximum word count. Instead, the essay should be a reflection of the applicant's character, values, and experiences.

The decrease in word count has many students wondering if they should focus on one specific aspect of their life or try to cover multiple experiences in a condensed format. The answer to this question varies from student to student; however, it is crucial to keep in mind that quality always trumps quantity.

One of the biggest challenges that students face when writing their Common App essay is finding a unique topic that sets them apart from other applicants. With the word limit reduction, this task can seem even more daunting. However, it is essential to remember that every student has a story to tell, and it is all about how you choose to tell it.

Admissions officers read thousands of essays each year, and they can quickly spot cliches or cookie-cutter responses. Therefore, it is crucial to be authentic and genuine in your writing. Don't be afraid to take risks and showcase your personality through your essay.

Another aspect to consider when writing your Common App essay is the importance of editing and revising. With a smaller word count, every sentence must count. Take the time to review your essay multiple times and have others read it as well. This will not only help catch any grammatical errors but also ensure that your essay flows smoothly and makes sense.

Ultimately, the Common App essay word limit reduction should not be a cause for stress or panic. Instead, it should be viewed as an opportunity to hone in on your writing skills and showcase your unique qualities. Remember to be authentic, concise, and deliberate with your words, and you will create an essay that stands out among the thousands of others.

The Common App Essay Word Limit 2016-17: What You Need to Know

Introduction

The Common Application is an online application used by over 800 colleges and universities in the United States. One of the most important parts of the Common App is the personal essay, which allows students to showcase their personality and writing skills. However, with the 2016-17 application cycle came a change in the essay word limit. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Common App essay word limit for 2016-17.

The New Word Limit

In previous years, the Common App essay had a word limit of 650 words. However, for the 2016-17 application cycle, the word limit has been lowered to 500 words. This means that students will have to be more concise and selective in their writing.

Why the Change?

According to the Common App website, the word limit was lowered to encourage thoughtful and reflective responses. The organization believes that a shorter essay will force students to focus on what is truly important to them and will result in more meaningful essays.

What Should You Write About?

With a lower word limit, it is even more important to choose a topic that is meaningful to you. The Common App website suggests that students should reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. This can be a great starting point for brainstorming essay topics. However, the most important thing is that you choose a topic that allows you to showcase your personality and writing skills.

How to Approach the Essay

One way to approach the essay is to start by creating an outline. This will help you stay focused and ensure that you include all the important details. Remember to be concise and avoid rambling. Every sentence should have a purpose and contribute to the overall message of your essay.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is to try to cover too much in the essay. With a lower word limit, it is important to choose one topic and stick to it. Another mistake is to use overly complicated language. Remember that the goal is to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively.

The Importance of Editing

Once you have written your essay, it is important to edit it carefully. This means checking for grammar and spelling errors, as well as ensuring that your writing is clear and concise. It can also be helpful to have someone else read your essay and provide feedback.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you write a successful Common App essay:- Be yourself: Don't try to be someone you're not. Admissions officers want to get to know the real you.- Show, don't tell: Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.- Be positive: Focus on the positive aspects of your experiences and avoid complaining or being negative.- Be creative: Don't be afraid to take risks and try something new with your essay.

Conclusion

The Common App essay is an important part of the college application process. With the 2016-17 application cycle, the word limit has been lowered to 500 words. However, by choosing a meaningful topic and approaching the essay in a thoughtful and concise manner, you can still write a successful essay that showcases your personality and writing skills.

Understanding the Common App Essay Word Limit for 2016-17

The Common Application is an online college application platform that is used by more than 700 colleges and universities in the United States and around the world. One of the key components of the Common Application is the personal essay, which allows students to showcase their writing skills and tell their unique stories to admissions officers.For the 2016-17 application cycle, the Common App essay word limit is 650 words. This means that the essay must be no more than 650 words long, including any title, formatting, and other elements that you may include.

Tips for Staying Within the Common App Essay Word Limit

Staying within the Common App essay word limit can be a challenge for many students, especially those who have a lot to say and are passionate about their topic. However, it is important to remember that the word limit is there for a reason. Admissions officers are busy people, and they need to be able to read and evaluate thousands of essays in a short period of time. By sticking to the word limit, you are demonstrating that you can make your point concisely and effectively, which is a valuable skill in college and beyond.Here are some tips to help you stay within the Common App essay word limit:1. Start with a clear plan: Before you begin writing your essay, take the time to outline your ideas and create a rough draft. This will help you stay focused on your main points and avoid getting sidetracked.2. Cut the fluff: When you are editing your essay, look for any unnecessary words or phrases that can be removed without affecting the meaning of your message. This includes things like adjectives and adverbs, as well as filler phrases like in order to and that being said.3. Use active voice: Active voice is more concise and direct than passive voice, which can help you save words and make your point more effectively. For example, instead of saying The essay was written by me, say I wrote the essay.4. Avoid repetition: Repeating the same ideas or phrases multiple times in your essay can be a waste of valuable word count. Instead, focus on using different examples and details to illustrate your main points.

The Importance of Concise Writing in the Common App Essay

Concise writing is an essential skill for college students, as it allows you to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively in a limited amount of space. In the Common App essay, the word limit is designed to encourage students to practice this skill and demonstrate their ability to make every word count.When you are writing your essay, it is important to remember that admissions officers are looking for quality over quantity. They want to see that you can express your ideas clearly and concisely, and that you can make a strong argument without belaboring the point. By focusing on the most important details and using clear, direct language, you can make a powerful impression in a limited amount of space.

Common App Essay Word Limit: How Much is Too Much?

While the Common App essay word limit may seem restrictive, it is important to remember that there is no magic number when it comes to writing a great essay. Some students may be able to express their ideas effectively in 500 words, while others may need the full 650 words to make their point.However, it is also important to remember that admissions officers have a limited amount of time to read and evaluate each essay. If your essay is significantly longer than the word limit, it may be at a disadvantage compared to other essays that are more concise and focused.

How to Edit Your Common App Essay to Fit the Word Limit

Editing your Common App essay to fit the word limit can be a challenging process, but it is essential if you want to make a strong impression on admissions officers. Here are some tips to help you edit your essay effectively:1. Read your essay out loud: Reading your essay out loud can help you identify areas where you may have used unnecessary words or phrases. It can also help you spot awkward sentence constructions and other issues that may be difficult to detect when reading silently.2. Use the delete key: When editing your essay, be ruthless in cutting out any unnecessary words or phrases. If a word or phrase doesn't add anything meaningful to your essay, delete it.3. Focus on your thesis statement: Your thesis statement should be clear and concise, and it should summarize the main point of your essay. Make sure that every sentence in your essay contributes to your thesis statement in some way.4. Use transitions: Transitions can help you move smoothly between different ideas and sections in your essay, making it easier for readers to follow your argument. Use transitional phrases like however, in addition, and furthermore to connect your ideas.

Common App Essay Word Limit: Why It Matters to Admissions Officers

The Common App essay word limit is an important consideration for admissions officers, as it helps them manage their workload and ensure that they are able to read and evaluate every essay in a timely manner. By sticking to the word limit, you are demonstrating that you can express your ideas clearly and concisely, which is a valuable skill in college and beyond.In addition, the word limit can also reveal a lot about your writing skills and your ability to follow instructions. If you are able to stay within the word limit and still make a strong argument, it shows that you are able to prioritize your ideas and organize your thoughts effectively.

The Impact of Exceeding the Common App Essay Word Limit

Exceeding the Common App essay word limit can have a negative impact on your application, as it may make you appear careless or unprofessional. Admissions officers are looking for students who can follow instructions and express their ideas clearly and concisely, and exceeding the word limit sends a message that you either didn't read or didn't care about the guidelines.In addition, exceeding the word limit may also make your essay less effective, as it can lead to rambling and unfocused writing that fails to make a strong argument. By staying within the word limit, you can ensure that every sentence in your essay is focused and purposeful.

How to Make Every Word Count in Your Common App Essay

Making every word count in your Common App essay is essential if you want to make a strong impression on admissions officers. Here are some tips to help you make every word count:1. Focus on your thesis statement: Your thesis statement should be clear and concise, and it should summarize the main point of your essay. Make sure that every sentence in your essay contributes to your thesis statement in some way.2. Use specific examples: Instead of making general statements, use specific examples and details to illustrate your main points. This will help you make a stronger argument and show admissions officers that you have thought deeply about your topic.3. Avoid filler words and phrases: Filler words and phrases like in order to and that being said can take up valuable word count without adding anything meaningful to your essay. Instead, focus on using clear, direct language.4. Use active voice: Active voice is more concise and direct than passive voice, which can help you save words and make your point more effectively.

Common App Essay Word Limit: Balancing Quantity with Quality

Balancing quantity with quality is a key consideration when it comes to writing your Common App essay. While it is important to stay within the word limit, it is also important to make sure that you are expressing your ideas effectively and making a strong argument.One way to balance quantity with quality is to focus on your thesis statement and use specific examples and details to illustrate your main points. By doing so, you can make every word count and ensure that your essay is both concise and effective.

Common App Essay Word Limit: What It Says About Your Writing Skills

The Common App essay word limit says a lot about your writing skills and your ability to express your ideas effectively in a limited amount of space. By staying within the word limit and making every word count, you are demonstrating that you can prioritize your ideas and communicate them clearly and concisely.In addition, the word limit can also reveal a lot about your ability to follow instructions and meet deadlines, which are important skills for college students. By taking the time to carefully craft your essay and stay within the word limit, you are showing admissions officers that you are serious about your education and committed to achieving your goals.

Point of View on Common App Essay Word Limit 2016-17

The Common Application essay is one of the most significant components of the college application process. The Common App essay has been a part of the admission procedure since 1975. This essay allows students to showcase their personality, experiences, and writing skills to the admissions committee. In 2016-17, the Common App essay word limit was set at 650 words, and it remains the same in subsequent years.

Pros of Common App Essay Word Limit 2016-17

The Common App essay word limit provides a clear guideline for students to follow when crafting their essays. It ensures that all applicants have an equal opportunity to showcase their abilities, regardless of their writing skills.
The 650-word limit forces students to be concise and creative in their writing. It challenges them to choose their words carefully and make every sentence count.
The word limit also encourages students to focus on the most critical aspects of their application. They must select the best topic to highlight their strengths and explain how they fit into the college's culture and community.

Cons of Common App Essay Word Limit 2016-17

The word limit can be challenging for some students who struggle with writing or expressing themselves adequately. It can also be frustrating for students who have a lot to say but cannot fit everything into the given word count.
The word limit could result in generic and formulaic essays that do not stand out from the rest. Some students may feel pressured to follow a specific format or structure to meet the word count, leading to unoriginal and uninspiring essays.

Comparison of Common App Essay Word Limits

The Common App essay word limit has remained the same since 2016-17. However, other college applications have different word limits. Here is a table comparing the word limits for some popular college applications:

Application	Word Limit
Coalition Application	550 words
University of California Application	350 words
MIT Application	No word limit, but suggested 500-750 words

It is essential to check the essay requirements for each college application to ensure that you meet their specific word count guidelines.

Final Thoughts on Common App Essay Word Limit 2016-17

As we conclude this discussion on the Common App essay word limit for the 2016-17 application cycle, it is crucial to keep in mind that the essay is your chance to showcase your personality, experiences, and writing skills to college admissions officers. Therefore, whether you choose to write an essay that is close to the maximum word limit of 650 words or a shorter one that conveys your message effectively, the key is to make it memorable and authentic.

If you are struggling with the word limit, consider using the following tips:

Firstly, brainstorm your ideas and select the ones that align with the essay prompt and reflect your unique perspective. Then, organize your thoughts into a clear structure that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This will help you stay on track and avoid rambling.

Secondly, use descriptive language and specific examples to illustrate your points. Show, don't tell, your reader what you want them to know about you. Also, avoid using clichés and overused phrases as they can make your essay sound generic.

Thirdly, revise and edit your essay several times to ensure that it meets the word limit and that there are no grammatical errors or typos. You may also consider seeking feedback from a teacher, counselor, or peer to get a fresh perspective.

Despite the word limit, the Common App essay remains a crucial part of the college application process. It is your chance to stand out from thousands of other applicants and show why you are a good fit for the school of your choice. So, take the time to craft a thoughtful and compelling essay that reflects who you are and what you can bring to the college community.

In conclusion, the Common App essay word limit for the 2016-17 application cycle is 650 words. However, the quality of the essay matters more than its length. Therefore, focus on expressing your ideas clearly, using descriptive language, and illustrating your points with specific examples. Remember to revise and edit your essay multiple times and seek feedback if necessary. Good luck!