How long is an essay?

How long is an essay?

1. The length of an essay depends on:

   • level and subject of study, departmental guidelines, and specific course requirements

2. Keep in mind that quality is more important than quantity

3. Essay length guidelines

   • High school essay: 300–1000 words (5-paragraph essay)
   • College admission essay: 200–650 words (personal experiences)
   • Undergraduate college essay: 1500–5000 words
   • Graduate school admission essay: 500–1000 words
   • Graduate school essay: 2500–6000 words

4. How long is each part of an essay?

   • The main body should always take up the most space
   • the main body should always take up the most space
   • The conclusion of an essay is often a single paragraph, even in longer essays.

5. Using length as a guide to topic and complexity

6. Can I go under the suggested length?

   • always aim to meet the minimum length given in your assignment
   • Add more evidence and examples
     • fully explained or analyzed each example
       • Address a different topic

7. Can I go over the suggested length?

   • May Exceed 10%
   • Relevant Paragraphs
   • Cut out filler words