Do I need a heading on my college application essay?
I'm working on my Common App essay and I'm not sure whether I should be putting a heading at the top. Some sample essays I've read don't have any heading at all, while others include their name and school info.
Is it standard to put a heading on the essay, or should I just start right into the story? I want to make sure my essay looks professional, but I also don't want to look like I didn't follow the rules. For context, I plan on submitting to a range of schools, if that matters. Has anyone gotten feedback from counselors or admission reps about this?
Any advice would be super helpful, especially from people who have applied recently.
Is it standard to put a heading on the essay, or should I just start right into the story? I want to make sure my essay looks professional, but I also don't want to look like I didn't follow the rules. For context, I plan on submitting to a range of schools, if that matters. Has anyone gotten feedback from counselors or admission reps about this?
Any advice would be super helpful, especially from people who have applied recently.
4 months ago
•
14 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
For the Common App essay and most supplemental essays, you do not need to include a heading with your name, school, or other information at the top of the essay. In fact, it's standard practice to leave these off. The application platform already links your essay to your account, so admissions officers know exactly who wrote each submission.
Jumping directly into your story is encouraged—this helps save space since the Common App essay has a tight word limit of 650 words. Adding a heading would use up precious characters and can disrupt the flow or aesthetic of your writing. Admission readers expect to see the essay start right away, without formal titles or formatting like you might use for a school assignment. You also don’t need to title your essay unless a prompt specifically asks for one (which is rare for the Common App main essay).
For example, when submitting your personal statement, it’s perfectly acceptable for the first line of your essay to be the opening of your story, such as: “The sharp scent of engine oil clung to my hands as I rebuilt the lawn mower for the fifth time.” This feels natural to admissions readers and is standard practice.
If you’re submitting essays through other portals or for specific programs that request a format or include specific instructions (sometimes graduate programs or very traditional colleges have requirements), double check those instructions. However, nearly all undergraduate applications, including top universities, do not need any separate heading. Both recent applicants and admissions officers recommend starting the essay itself immediately. Keeping things simple is both professional and expected.
Jumping directly into your story is encouraged—this helps save space since the Common App essay has a tight word limit of 650 words. Adding a heading would use up precious characters and can disrupt the flow or aesthetic of your writing. Admission readers expect to see the essay start right away, without formal titles or formatting like you might use for a school assignment. You also don’t need to title your essay unless a prompt specifically asks for one (which is rare for the Common App main essay).
For example, when submitting your personal statement, it’s perfectly acceptable for the first line of your essay to be the opening of your story, such as: “The sharp scent of engine oil clung to my hands as I rebuilt the lawn mower for the fifth time.” This feels natural to admissions readers and is standard practice.
If you’re submitting essays through other portals or for specific programs that request a format or include specific instructions (sometimes graduate programs or very traditional colleges have requirements), double check those instructions. However, nearly all undergraduate applications, including top universities, do not need any separate heading. Both recent applicants and admissions officers recommend starting the essay itself immediately. Keeping things simple is both professional and expected.
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Camille Luong
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Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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