While the University of Chicago says there is no strict word limit on its supplemental essays, other schools prefer brevity.

Take this example: On Instagram Reels, a video posted by @limmytalks discusses a student who has voluntarily submitted his information to this college admissions content creator.

This competitive environment has turned the college application essay into a particularly important vehicle in the admissions process for learning about students’ backgrounds and human qualities.

Of the 735 first-year students that Middlebury College enrolled last year, for example, 516 were admitted via binding early decision.