Common App word & character counter
Check every length limit before you paste into the application. Everything runs in this browser tab — close it and your text is gone.
Essays
Word counts for the personal statement, the additional information section, or any supplement. Counts words the way most editors do (separated by spaces); the Common App’s own counter can differ by a word or two, so leave a little room.
Paste or type your draft.
Activities & experiences
Up to ten entries. The description is 150 characters — about one sentence — so every word has to carry weight. The hints below are suggestions, not rules.
- Activity 1
Honors
Up to five, 100 characters each — name the award and, if the name doesn’t say it, how selective it is.
2026–27 Common App limits at a glance
- Personal statement
- 250–650 words
- Additional information
- 300 words (cut from 650 in a recent cycle)
- Activities & experiences
- Up to 10 · position 50 chars (now optional) · organization 100 · description 150
- Honors
- Up to 5 · 100 characters each
Checked September 2026. Always confirm inside the application — colleges’ own supplements set their own limits.