What is the correct MLA heading for a college application essay?
I'm starting to work on my Common App essay and a couple of supplemental essays, and my English teacher keeps mentioning MLA format. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to use an MLA-style heading (like name, date, class, etc.) at the top of my college essays or if that's just for school assignments. Are colleges expecting a certain format, or is it better to just put my name and maybe the prompt at the top? Some of my friends told me not to put any heading at all, so now I’m even more confused.
If anyone who’s already applied could share what they did, that would really help. I don't want to mess anything up just because I formatted it wrong!
If anyone who’s already applied could share what they did, that would really help. I don't want to mess anything up just because I formatted it wrong!
4 months ago
•
67 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
For college application essays—including your Common App essay and most supplemental essays—you do NOT need to use the traditional MLA heading you might use in high school assignments. MLA headings (with your name, instructor, class, and date) are standard for academic papers, but college admissions offices do not expect or require this format in application essays.
When you upload or paste your essay into the Common App or a college’s application portal, there is no need to add a heading. The application system already links your essay to your name and application details. In fact, for many supplementals, there is not even a way to submit essays as separate documents, you just paste your response into a box.
If you’re submitting a document (sometimes required for certain scholarships or special programs), just putting your name and the essay prompt at the top is enough. Sometimes, even this isn’t necessary—always check the instructions first. For example, you can start your essay like this:
Sarah Smith
Common Application Personal Essay
Then skip a line and begin your essay. But again, most colleges don't want or need any heading at all.
Personally, when I applied, I left headings off entirely and had no issues. Most of my classmates did the same. Admissions readers care far more about your writing and the story you tell than any formatting details. The only thing to worry about is following any specific formatting rules a college lists in their instructions (like word or character limits).
So, to sum up: no MLA heading is required, and for most college essays you do not need to include any heading at all. Focus on your content, and just make sure your essay meets the technical requirements of the submission portal.
When you upload or paste your essay into the Common App or a college’s application portal, there is no need to add a heading. The application system already links your essay to your name and application details. In fact, for many supplementals, there is not even a way to submit essays as separate documents, you just paste your response into a box.
If you’re submitting a document (sometimes required for certain scholarships or special programs), just putting your name and the essay prompt at the top is enough. Sometimes, even this isn’t necessary—always check the instructions first. For example, you can start your essay like this:
Sarah Smith
Common Application Personal Essay
Then skip a line and begin your essay. But again, most colleges don't want or need any heading at all.
Personally, when I applied, I left headings off entirely and had no issues. Most of my classmates did the same. Admissions readers care far more about your writing and the story you tell than any formatting details. The only thing to worry about is following any specific formatting rules a college lists in their instructions (like word or character limits).
So, to sum up: no MLA heading is required, and for most college essays you do not need to include any heading at all. Focus on your content, and just make sure your essay meets the technical requirements of the submission portal.
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Camille Luong
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