What's the best way to format a college application essay?
I'm starting to write my main college essay and I'm a bit confused about how exactly I'm supposed to format it. Should I be using something like MLA or is there another style colleges expect?
Also, should I double space it or just go with single spaced? I've seen advice going both ways online. I'm mostly applying through the Common App if that makes a difference. Just want to make sure I don't mess up something basic like formatting when the content is what really matters.
If anyone has tips on font size, paragraph breaks, or if it matters at all, I'd appreciate it!
Also, should I double space it or just go with single spaced? I've seen advice going both ways online. I'm mostly applying through the Common App if that makes a difference. Just want to make sure I don't mess up something basic like formatting when the content is what really matters.
If anyone has tips on font size, paragraph breaks, or if it matters at all, I'd appreciate it!
7 months ago
•
72 views
Lydia Schooler
• 7 months ago
Advisor
You definitely don’t need to use MLA or any other academic citation style for your college application essay. Colleges aren’t looking for strict academic formatting for your Common App essay. Instead, what matters is that your essay is clear, easy to read, and professionally presented.
For the Common App, you’ll paste your essay directly into a text box, so any specific formatting like double-spacing, indenting, or unusual fonts is usually stripped away. With that in mind, stick to the following basics:
Use standard paragraph breaks by hitting "Enter" twice to separate paragraphs, rather than indenting. This makes for an uncluttered, readable look on the Common App platform.
Keep your font simple. Although the text box defaults to a standard font, if a school asks you to upload a document, use something like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in 12-point size. Don’t use colors, images, or emojis.
Essays should be single-spaced in the Common App text box. In rare cases where a college requests you upload a file, check their requirements—but single-spacing with a blank line between paragraphs is a safe choice.
If you do need to upload a document, save it as a PDF to ensure formatting stays consistent.
Here’s an example of a good format:
Paragraph 1.
(Blank line)
Paragraph 2.
(Blank line)
If you have a unique format (like a letter, dialogue, or experiment with structure), that’s fine as long as the story is clear and easy to read. Remember, what’s most important is letting your voice and story shine through, not the technical look of the essay.
Try pasting your draft into the Common App to double-check how it appears before submitting. That way, you can catch any wonky spacing or formatting issues before finalizing your application.
For the Common App, you’ll paste your essay directly into a text box, so any specific formatting like double-spacing, indenting, or unusual fonts is usually stripped away. With that in mind, stick to the following basics:
Use standard paragraph breaks by hitting "Enter" twice to separate paragraphs, rather than indenting. This makes for an uncluttered, readable look on the Common App platform.
Keep your font simple. Although the text box defaults to a standard font, if a school asks you to upload a document, use something like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in 12-point size. Don’t use colors, images, or emojis.
Essays should be single-spaced in the Common App text box. In rare cases where a college requests you upload a file, check their requirements—but single-spacing with a blank line between paragraphs is a safe choice.
If you do need to upload a document, save it as a PDF to ensure formatting stays consistent.
Here’s an example of a good format:
Paragraph 1.
(Blank line)
Paragraph 2.
(Blank line)
If you have a unique format (like a letter, dialogue, or experiment with structure), that’s fine as long as the story is clear and easy to read. Remember, what’s most important is letting your voice and story shine through, not the technical look of the essay.
Try pasting your draft into the Common App to double-check how it appears before submitting. That way, you can catch any wonky spacing or formatting issues before finalizing your application.
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