Common App Word LimitsThe Common Application's personal essay allows 250-650 words and the form enforces the cap mechanically. The less famous limits bite just as hard: each activity description gets 150 characters, and the optional additional information section caps at 650 words.
Verified July 2026. Platforms adjust limits over time.
| Field | Limit |
|---|---|
| Personal essay | 650 words 250-word minimum; form enforces the cap |
| Activity description | 150 characters |
| Activity organization name | 100 characters |
| Activity position/leadership | 50 characters |
| Additional information | 650 words |
WordLimit shortens your text to the exact word or character count you need - it trims redundancy while keeping your key information and your own writing style, so human-written text stays recognizably human. Check your current count with the free word limit counter first.
650 words maximum with a 250-word minimum. The online form stops accepting input at the cap, so there is no way to submit over the limit.
Characters - each activity description allows 150 characters including spaces, which is why they read like resume bullets rather than sentences.
WordLimit
