How to Shorten Your Common App Essay Like a Pro (Without Losing Your Mind)
Okay, so you’ve poured your heart and soul into your Common App essay. You’ve meticulously crafted every sentence, painstakingly chosen the perfect anecdote, and you’re positively beaming with pride at your literary masterpiece. But then you hit the dreaded word count: 650 words. And your essay? It’s a whopping 800 words long. You feel like a hamster on a wheel, running and running, but getting nowhere. Fear not, aspiring college student, because this is a problem even seasoned writers face!
Don’t despair! You’re not alone in your essay-shortening woes. Think of it this way: It’s like trying to fit your entire wardrobe into a carry-on suitcase. You know you have to be ruthless, but the thought of sacrificing your favorite sweater (or in this case, your favorite sentence) is agonizing.
Here’s the good news: Shortening your essay doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. It’s about finding the most impactful words to convey your story. Think of it as trimming the fat to reveal the juicy, delicious steak underneath.
Here’s the bad news: You’re going to have to be brutally honest with yourself and your writing. But trust me, it’s a necessary evil.
The Art of the Essay Trim: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. The Adverb Apocalypse:
Those little words ending in -ly (really, truly, actually, etc.) can be sneaky essay-inflaters. They add fluff without much substance. Think of them as the extra cheese you add to your pizza – nice, but not essential. Go through your essay and highlight every adverb. Then, ruthlessly delete them. Ask yourself: Does the sentence still make sense? Does it still have the same impact? If so, you’ve just made a small but significant cut.
2. The Comma Conundrum:
Commas can be your friend, but they can also be your enemy. They can introduce extra words and phrases that, while charming, can be ultimately unnecessary. Look for phrases set off by commas. Ask yourself: Does this phrase add to the story, or is it just a fancy way to say something simpler? If it’s the latter, cut it!
3. The Helping Verb Hunt:
Helping verbs (like “is,” “are,” “was,” “were,” etc.) can be like the extra layer of clothing you put on when you’re already sweating. They don’t always add to the clarity, they just make things less concise. Look for ways to replace these verbs with more active alternatives. For example, instead of “The dog was walking,” try “The dog walked.” See? It’s like shedding a heavy coat on a hot day!
4. The “To Be” Verb Purge:
“To be” verbs (is, am, are, was, were, etc.) are like the bland white rice of the writing world. They’re not bad, but they’re not exactly thrilling. Replace them with more vivid verbs that capture the action. For example, instead of “He was feeling sad,” try “He felt a heavy weight in his chest.” This makes your writing more dynamic and engaging.
5. The Noun-to-Verb Transformation:
Sometimes, a noun can be transformed into a verb to make your sentence more impactful. For example, instead of “He made a decision,” try “He decided.” This is like giving your writing a makeover – a tiny change that makes a big difference.
6. The Show, Don’t Tell Principle:
College admissions officers want to see your personality and your voice shine through. Don’t just tell them about your experience; show them. Instead of saying “I was nervous,” describe the feeling in your stomach, the way your hands were shaking, or the way your voice cracked. This creates a more immersive reading experience and makes your essay more memorable.
7. The Feedback Frenzy:
Once you’ve made your initial cuts, ask for feedback from someone you trust – a teacher, a mentor, or even a friend. They can provide fresh eyes and help you identify areas where you can still trim the fat.
8. The Word Count Warrior:
Finally, after all your editing and rewriting, be sure to check your word count. The Common App essay limit is 650 words. You don’t want to get your essay rejected because it’s too long!
Coalition App vs. Common App: The Essay Dilemma
You might be thinking, “Wait, can I even use my Common App essay for the Coalition App?” The good news is: You absolutely can! Both applications are designed to be compatible, so you can reuse your essay on both platforms. But be aware that the Coalition App has a slightly shorter word count limit: 500-650 words. So, you might need to make some minor adjustments to fit within their guidelines.
Remember: Your Essay Is Your Voice
Shortening your essay doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your personality or your voice. It’s about finding the most effective way to tell your story. Think of it as a game of Tetris – finding the perfect pieces to fit together and create a strong, compelling whole.
Still Feeling Lost?
If you’re still feeling lost in the essay wilderness, don’t worry. There are plenty of resources available to help you navigate the word count labyrinth. Check out online resources, talk to your guidance counselor, or even seek the help of a professional essay editor. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey!
And if you need more guidance, the JobLoving community is here to help! We’re a group of passionate individuals who love helping people achieve their dreams – including conquering the dreaded college application process. Reach out to us if you have any questions or need further assistance.
Good luck, and happy writing!