What is the correct format for college essays?
I’m starting to draft my Common App essay but I’m getting worried about the actual formatting part. Is there a specific font, font size, or spacing that colleges prefer? Also, I’m confused about whether I need a title or if the essay is supposed to look more like a regular school paper with my name and the prompt at the top.
If anyone has submitted already or knows what admission officers expect, I’d appreciate any tips or even sample essays that show the formatting. I just want to make sure my essay looks professional and doesn’t get messed up by the online application.
If anyone has submitted already or knows what admission officers expect, I’d appreciate any tips or even sample essays that show the formatting. I just want to make sure my essay looks professional and doesn’t get messed up by the online application.
1 week ago
•
4 views
Roger Lopez
• 1 week ago
Advisor
You're not alone in feeling unsure about how to format your Common App essay—the instructions can feel pretty minimal at first! To clarify, there is no specific font, font size, or style admissions officers expect beyond what the Common App text box allows. Here’s what you need to know:
When you paste your essay into the Common App (or other application portals), the system strips away most formatting like bold, italics, underlines, and customized fonts. The text box automatically uses a basic, readable font, and you do not have control over font size or style. Standard advice is to draft your essay in a word processor (like Google Docs or Microsoft Word) using 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font and double spacing for your own readability, but you won’t retain those when pasting your essay into the application itself.
Most students skip the title and go straight into their first paragraph. Also, don’t include your name, date, or the essay prompt at the top—these are not expected, and the system will identify your essay with your application materials automatically.
Paragraph breaks are important. Separate each paragraph with a single line break so your essay is readable. Double-check after pasting your essay that all breaks have transferred correctly, as sometimes formatting can get lost between documents and the online portal.
As an example: If you write, “When my older brother left for college, the house felt empty,” start that as your first line. After your opening paragraph, leave one empty line, then continue with the next.
Ultimately, admissions officers care far more about your content and clarity than format. As long as your essay has clear paragraphs and isn’t a wall of text, you’re in good shape.
So: No title, no name at the top, no fancy formatting, and check your paragraph breaks. Focus on telling your story—let the Common App handle the rest!
When you paste your essay into the Common App (or other application portals), the system strips away most formatting like bold, italics, underlines, and customized fonts. The text box automatically uses a basic, readable font, and you do not have control over font size or style. Standard advice is to draft your essay in a word processor (like Google Docs or Microsoft Word) using 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font and double spacing for your own readability, but you won’t retain those when pasting your essay into the application itself.
Most students skip the title and go straight into their first paragraph. Also, don’t include your name, date, or the essay prompt at the top—these are not expected, and the system will identify your essay with your application materials automatically.
Paragraph breaks are important. Separate each paragraph with a single line break so your essay is readable. Double-check after pasting your essay that all breaks have transferred correctly, as sometimes formatting can get lost between documents and the online portal.
As an example: If you write, “When my older brother left for college, the house felt empty,” start that as your first line. After your opening paragraph, leave one empty line, then continue with the next.
Ultimately, admissions officers care far more about your content and clarity than format. As long as your essay has clear paragraphs and isn’t a wall of text, you’re in good shape.
So: No title, no name at the top, no fancy formatting, and check your paragraph breaks. Focus on telling your story—let the Common App handle the rest!
Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years