Should I include a header on my college application essay?

You don’t need to include a header (with your name, date, or high school) on your Common App essay. The application system automatically attaches your essay to your profile, so admissions officers can see all your info without a header. They actually prefer the essay to feel like a story—jumping right in is totally normal and even recommended. The focus is your content, not your formatting.

For formatting, use standard fonts like Times New Roman or Arial, 12-point size, and double-spacing if you’re uploading a document. If you’re pasting your essay into a text box (which is common on the Common App and Coalition App), just start with the first line of your essay, no extra title or information needed. Admissions readers aren’t expecting or looking for a header, so leaving it off won’t affect their impression or your professionalism.

For example, your essay could begin with a vivid scene or quote: “The smell of soldering iron always reminds me of the robotics lab—the place I discovered patience, persistence, and the thrill of failure.” No need to preface it with your name or high school.

Some exceptions: If you’re sending a supplemental essay outside of the main application platform (for instance, emailing it directly to a scholarship committee), then a short header is okay. But for college applications through the Common App, Coalition App, or other standard portals, just start your story. Focus on making your essay engaging from the very first sentence.