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Are you getting started on writing your Common App essay and are wondering how many paragraphs you need to include? This post will outline the number of paragraphs that are recommended for you to have in the Common App essay as well as some tips on what to include in each section of the introduction, body, and conclusion.
How Many Paragraphs In The Common App Essay?
A good rule of thumb is to have at least 5 paragraphs in your Common App essay. This should consist of an introduction, a conclusion, and at least 3 body paragraphs. You can include more body paragraphs if you wish, but make sure they are not too short and that each body paragraph is explained in enough depth for the reader to understand how it relates to the main message of your essay. Now that you know the minimum number of paragraphs, see the section below for some tips on what to include in each section of your essay.
Introduction
Catch the reader's attention: Having a good hook is key to grabbing the reader's attention. For tips on how to write a good hook, see this post here.
Use an appropriate strategy: There are a variety of introduction strategies you can use such as describing a scene, describing an anecdote, etc. See this post here for more information on the different introduction strategies.
Format and structure: Your introduction needs to be properly formatted with a hook, thesis statement and brief description. See this post here for more information on formatting the introduction, along with some annotated examples of the above components.
General advice: For overall tips and general advice on how to write a college essay introduction, see this post here. For examples of good introductions, see this post here.
Body
Be focused: Ensure that each body paragraph focuses on a specific main point or aspect of your topic. These points should support your thesis statement and contribute to the overall message of your essay.
Smooth transitions: Ensure that ideas flow smoothly between paragraphs. Each body paragraph should have a mini-conclusion that wraps up the main point being discussed in that paragraph.
Provide examples: Make your narrative engaging by including examples and anecdotes from your lived experience. This makes your story more personal.
General advice: For more tips on structuring the body (and introduction/conclusion) of your essay, see this post here.
Conclusion
Conclusion starters: It is important to have a creative conclusion starter to link the ideas from the body to the conclusion. For a list of conclusion starters and examples of how to use them, check out this post here.
Format and structure: Your conclusion must be properly formatted with multiple components such as evidence of personal growth, connections to the future, etc. See this post here for more information on formatting the conclusion, along with some annotated examples of the above components.
General advice: For overall tips and general advice on how to write a college essay conclusion, see this post here. For examples of good conclusions, see this post here.
We hope this post has helped you identify how many paragraphs to include in your essay as well as what each section of your essay should include. Good luck with your college applications!
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