650 Words. Make Them Count.
The Common App gives you a maximum of 650 words for your personal essay. That's approximately 2½ to 3 pages typed and double-spaced. If you’re staring at a blank page, it may seem like a lot, but it really isn’t.
After nearly two decades of teaching college writing, I've encountered a few phrases I think we can safely retire—especially when space is at a premium.
Some announce the obvious. Others make sweeping claims or sound like they've been lifted from a motivational poster.
None of these phrases will automatically ruin your essay. But when you have only 650 words to tell your story, every word should earn its place.
Here are five phrases I'd encourage you to reconsider.
1. “I remember it like it was yesterday”
Of course you remember it. You're writing about it!
There's no need to announce that you remember something. Just take your reader there.
What happened? Where were you? What did you see, hear, or feel?
Let the details do the remembering.
2. “I forget…”
Why shine a light on something you don't know?
You don't have to reconstruct every moment of an experience. Focus on what you do remember and why it matters.
3. “Fast forward…”
Is this a college application essay or a movie trailer?
You don't need to announce that time has passed. Just move the story forward.
Instead of “Fast forward three years,” try “By senior year, I…”
There. Three years have passed. No remote control required.
4. “It made me who I am today.”
Well, yes. That's how life works.
Every experience shapes who we become. But what did this particular experience change about you?
Did it challenge an assumption? Change your perspective? Lead you to make a different choice?
Don't just tell your reader that an experience shaped you. Show them how.
5. “I can do anything I set my mind to.”
Anything? Really?
Can you fly? Become invisible? Get everyone in a group project to do their share?
Confidence is wonderful, but your college application essay isn't a motivational poster.
Instead of telling your reader you can do anything, show them something you actually did.
What was the challenge? How did you respond when things got difficult? What did you learn about yourself?
Let your actions speak for themselves.
Your Story. Your Voice.
Your college application essay doesn't need to be filled with grand declarations or phrases you've heard a thousand times before.
It needs to tell your story.
Make room for the details, experiences, and reflections that reveal something meaningful about you.
The goal isn't to sound impressive. It's to sound like yourself.
Need Help With Your College Application Essay?
I work one-on-one with students to help them discover their stories, develop their ideas, and revise their essays while preserving their authentic voices.