Wondering how long your college essay should be? Get clear word count guidelines for Common App personal statements, supplemental essays, and scholarship essays. Learn why sticking to limits matters, plus tips on hitting the right length to make your application shine.

How Does Someone in College Admissions Read Your Application?

Curious about what happens when your college application lands on an admissions officer’s desk? Admissions readers review your entire profile holistically—from academics and essays to extracurriculars and recommendations—to understand who you are as a student and a person. Learn how each part of your application is evaluated, what admissions officers look for, and tips to make your application stand out.

Struggling to find a great college essay topic?
This guide will help you brainstorm powerful, personal topics that reflect who you are — with real examples and tips to get started with confidence.