What format should a college application essay be in?
I’m getting ready to write my Common App essay, and I’m confused about how it should be formatted. When it says 'format,' do they mean things like font size, margins, and spacing? Does it need a title or heading? If I use the text box, should I worry about indentations or paragraph breaks?
I’m nervous about accidentally submitting something unprofessional. I’ve seen conflicting advice online, with some saying to use Times New Roman, 12pt, double-spaced, and others acting like none of that really matters. For context, I plan to copy and paste from Google Docs into the application platform (not uploading a PDF). Does anyone have advice or official info on this?
I want to make sure I get this right, so any help would be appreciated!
I’m nervous about accidentally submitting something unprofessional. I’ve seen conflicting advice online, with some saying to use Times New Roman, 12pt, double-spaced, and others acting like none of that really matters. For context, I plan to copy and paste from Google Docs into the application platform (not uploading a PDF). Does anyone have advice or official info on this?
I want to make sure I get this right, so any help would be appreciated!
4 months ago
•
26 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
When it comes to the Common App essay, the good news is you don’t need to stress too much about formal formatting like font, double-spacing, margins, or file types—especially since you’re planning to copy and paste your essay into the application platform’s text box instead of uploading a file.
Here’s how it works:
1. Font and Size: The Common App text box will automatically standardize the font, size, and spacing, so you don’t have to worry about Times New Roman, Arial, or any other font. You also can’t really control these elements once your text is in the box, and admissions officers aren’t grading you on formatting aesthetics.
2. Indentation and Paragraphs: The Common App text box removes most traditional indentations (like the old five-space tab at the start of a paragraph). Instead, most students use a line break (hit 'Enter' twice) between paragraphs. This clearly separates your paragraphs and makes the essay more readable. For example:
"I’ve always loved baking, especially with my grandmother.
She taught me to see recipes as puzzles and each ingredient as a clue."
3. Titles and Headings: You do not need a title or heading for your essay. Unless a college specifically asks for it, leave it off. Your words count toward your overall word limit—so it’s better to use those words for your story.
4. Margins: Margins are set by the application, so you don’t need to set these yourself.
5. Pasting From Google Docs: Before pasting into the Common App, make sure there are no strange symbols or formatting errors (like random question marks or lost paragraph breaks). Paste your essay in and carefully review it within the text box. Sometimes, italics or bold get stripped out, so don’t rely on special formatting for emphasis—use your words instead.
6. Professionalism: The most important thing is that your essay is free from spelling and grammar errors, organized clearly by paragraphs, and easy to read. Focus more on content and clarity, rather than formal formatting. Admissions officers are most concerned with your authentic story and voice.
Bottom line: No need to stress about fonts, sizes, or indents! Just make sure your paragraphs have clear breaks and your essay is within the word count limit. When in doubt, copy your final draft into the Common App and preview it. If it looks clean and is easy to read, you’re all set.
Good luck with your essay—writing one is a big step, and once you hit submit, you’ll feel a huge sense of accomplishment!
Here’s how it works:
1. Font and Size: The Common App text box will automatically standardize the font, size, and spacing, so you don’t have to worry about Times New Roman, Arial, or any other font. You also can’t really control these elements once your text is in the box, and admissions officers aren’t grading you on formatting aesthetics.
2. Indentation and Paragraphs: The Common App text box removes most traditional indentations (like the old five-space tab at the start of a paragraph). Instead, most students use a line break (hit 'Enter' twice) between paragraphs. This clearly separates your paragraphs and makes the essay more readable. For example:
"I’ve always loved baking, especially with my grandmother.
She taught me to see recipes as puzzles and each ingredient as a clue."
3. Titles and Headings: You do not need a title or heading for your essay. Unless a college specifically asks for it, leave it off. Your words count toward your overall word limit—so it’s better to use those words for your story.
4. Margins: Margins are set by the application, so you don’t need to set these yourself.
5. Pasting From Google Docs: Before pasting into the Common App, make sure there are no strange symbols or formatting errors (like random question marks or lost paragraph breaks). Paste your essay in and carefully review it within the text box. Sometimes, italics or bold get stripped out, so don’t rely on special formatting for emphasis—use your words instead.
6. Professionalism: The most important thing is that your essay is free from spelling and grammar errors, organized clearly by paragraphs, and easy to read. Focus more on content and clarity, rather than formal formatting. Admissions officers are most concerned with your authentic story and voice.
Bottom line: No need to stress about fonts, sizes, or indents! Just make sure your paragraphs have clear breaks and your essay is within the word count limit. When in doubt, copy your final draft into the Common App and preview it. If it looks clean and is easy to read, you’re all set.
Good luck with your essay—writing one is a big step, and once you hit submit, you’ll feel a huge sense of accomplishment!
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Camille Luong
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Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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