The Common App personal statement has a word limit of 650, which is around a page and a quarter single-spaced. For some students, this seems unapproachably long; for others, it is surprisingly short. However, either way, focusing on word count can trip a student up, at least at first.

When it comes to writing a first (and second!) draft of their essay, we recommend that students embrace overwriting. Though it may seem like a setback, having a lot of material is significantly more helpful to the process than less. Adding new writing is generative and, therefore, harder, whereas cutting can be easy (or at least quick)—especially with assistance from a writing coach. 

Consider:

How will the student know what the best part of their story is if they never write it down for fear that their draft is getting too long? 

What do they risk by holding back on specific details, more extended anecdotes, or figurative language? 

Likewise, how will they know which section of their essay isn’t strong enough if they don’t have all the options to choose from?

We have a few metaphors used to explain this to students:

The first is to think of a sculptor (the student). It is better for him to start his process with a large block of clay (long draft). Then, he can make significant cuts and has more space to play with how he shapes the piece leading up to the final design. If the same sculptor were to start his piece with less clay (shorter, less detailed draft), his process would be harder; the cuts couldn’t be as free, and he’d have to take more time to make sure that each move was meticulous from the start. If he has to incorporate more clay later, he will have to add slip (a pottery binding agent) and spend more time making the addition appear seamless. Starting with more writing makes reaching the desired end result easier and the process more creatively fulfilling. 

The second is to think of two friends at a buffet. One friend (the student) offers to make another a plate based on what they think their friend (the essay coach) would like to eat. However, the friend (coach) will respond that they’d like to see the whole buffet (long draft) with all the options and then pick what they want to make the tastiest plate (strongest essay). Coaches want to see the buffet of content options before helping students decide which combinations will work best. 

Students shouldn’t try to predict what the coach wants; at the beginning of the process, they should provide as much writing as possible— but try to keep the first draft under 1000 words! 

Want more tips? Follow us on Instagram or contact us today!