What is the correct format for a college essay?
I want to make sure I'm setting up my college essay properly, but I'm getting a little confused about what the "right way" to format it is. Does it have to be double-spaced, and what font should I use? Should I include a title or my name at the top?
Also, if I'm copy-pasting it into the Common App, does the format even matter, or does it automatically change everything? I'm super stressed that something as small as spacing or margins might hurt my application. If anyone could share what worked for them or what colleges expect, I'd really appreciate it.
Also, if I'm copy-pasting it into the Common App, does the format even matter, or does it automatically change everything? I'm super stressed that something as small as spacing or margins might hurt my application. If anyone could share what worked for them or what colleges expect, I'd really appreciate it.
4 months ago
•
12 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
College essay formatting can definitely feel confusing, so you’re not alone. The good news is that colleges care most about your content, not fancy formatting. For the main Common App essay, here's what you need to know:
If you’re copying and pasting your essay into the Common App portal (which is what most applicants do), the system strips away almost all formatting. That means it won’t keep double-spacing, special fonts, or tabbed indents. Instead, the essay box uses a basic, standard font. Margins are preset, and you can't really adjust font size or spacing.
You don't need to include a title unless the application asks for it specifically (almost all don't). Similarly, there's no need to include your name at the top of the essay, because your application is already tied to your personal information. Just paste the essay itself into the provided box.
To keep things clear and readable:
- Write your essay in a standard word processor with single spacing and normal paragraph breaks.
- Leave a blank line between paragraphs if you want to show clear separation. Paragraph indents often disappear after pasting, so an extra line makes the structure obvious.
For example, instead of:
At age ten, I planted my first vegetable garden.
The tomatoes flourished...
Try:
At age ten, I planted my first vegetable garden.
The tomatoes flourished...
If you’re submitting supplemental essays on college-specific platforms, check if they require uploads (like .pdf or .doc). If they do, these basic rules work best:
- Use 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font
- Double-space your essay, unless told otherwise
- 1-inch margins
- Put your name and the essay prompt as a heading if the school asks for it
But again, for the Common App, just focus on content and leave out the frills. The format won’t break your application.
Most importantly, proofread your essay after you copy and paste it into the Common App. Sometimes lines run together or extra spaces appear, so take a moment to fix it right in the box.
A lot of students worry about losing points for creative fonts or spacing, but colleges really just want a clear, well-written story. If your paragraphs are separated and it’s easy to read, you’re all set!
If you’re copying and pasting your essay into the Common App portal (which is what most applicants do), the system strips away almost all formatting. That means it won’t keep double-spacing, special fonts, or tabbed indents. Instead, the essay box uses a basic, standard font. Margins are preset, and you can't really adjust font size or spacing.
You don't need to include a title unless the application asks for it specifically (almost all don't). Similarly, there's no need to include your name at the top of the essay, because your application is already tied to your personal information. Just paste the essay itself into the provided box.
To keep things clear and readable:
- Write your essay in a standard word processor with single spacing and normal paragraph breaks.
- Leave a blank line between paragraphs if you want to show clear separation. Paragraph indents often disappear after pasting, so an extra line makes the structure obvious.
For example, instead of:
At age ten, I planted my first vegetable garden.
The tomatoes flourished...
Try:
At age ten, I planted my first vegetable garden.
The tomatoes flourished...
If you’re submitting supplemental essays on college-specific platforms, check if they require uploads (like .pdf or .doc). If they do, these basic rules work best:
- Use 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font
- Double-space your essay, unless told otherwise
- 1-inch margins
- Put your name and the essay prompt as a heading if the school asks for it
But again, for the Common App, just focus on content and leave out the frills. The format won’t break your application.
Most importantly, proofread your essay after you copy and paste it into the Common App. Sometimes lines run together or extra spaces appear, so take a moment to fix it right in the box.
A lot of students worry about losing points for creative fonts or spacing, but colleges really just want a clear, well-written story. If your paragraphs are separated and it’s easy to read, you’re all set!
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Camille Luong
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Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
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