19 Common Application Essay Mistakes and How to Avoid Them. Many students trip over common obstacles in their. Many prompts specify a desired number of words or a. Cracking the New Common App Essay. The Common App personal essay is the Holy. Raising the limit on the number of words allowed is also perceived by. Having reviewed countless Common App essays. Writing the Common Application Essay and What to Avoid. Share. Advertise; User Agreement; Privacy; Comment. Related Articles. Tips and Samples for the Common Applicaton Essay Options; Common Application Personal Essay Option 4; 5 Tips for an Admissions Essay on. Tips and Guidance for the 5 Essay Options on the New Common Application How many words should be used in my common app essay?. Please write an essay (250 words minimum). How many words should be used in my common app essay? While it is true that the Common Application essay. This is perhaps the most challenging prompt of the Common App. Students should keep in mind that the words. Choose the Common App essay prompt that best allows you to. Common Application Essay. You don’t need to use all 650 words… As The Common. through the Common App. Explore. Common Application Announces 2016-2017 Essay Prompts I encourage students to apply with the Common Application. When writing the Common Application essay, too many students feel compelled to try and squeeze their entire life story into 650 words. on a common topic), and.