Personal Statement Word Count: How Much Is Actually Enough

Most programs specify a limit — respecting it matters as much as the content.

1. Common limits range from 500-1000 words; always follow the specific program's stated limit exactly.
2. Going under the limit significantly can read as lack of effort; going over usually gets cut off or penalized.
3. Depth on one story beats breadth across many within a tight word count.
4. Cut ruthlessly in editing — most first drafts run long and improve significantly through trimming.

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