What is the correct format for a college application essay?

Great questions—making sure your essay is formatted correctly is important, but luckily, the Common App and similar platforms make it straightforward.

For the Common App essay, you don't need to use any special formatting. You’ll copy and paste your essay directly into a text box on the application. Here are the key guidelines:

Font & Size: You don't choose the font or size yourself when pasting into the Common App; the platform will automatically apply the formatting to keep it uniform for all applicants. Typically, it uses a plain, readable serif or sans-serif font (think Times New Roman or Arial at 12 pt). So, you don’t need to worry about setting a special font or size in your document.

Line Spacing: The Common App box uses single-spacing by default—double-spacing is not required or even possible. If you have paragraph breaks, just hit Enter once.

Indentation: You can either indent new paragraphs or use a single blank line between paragraphs. Both are accepted, but many students opt for a blank line between paragraphs since some formatting may disappear when you paste the essay.

Title & Name: Do NOT include a title, your name, or any special heading at the top of the essay. Admissions already know it’s your essay. Just start directly with your first line—this lets you use all the available space for your story. The exception: if a supplemental essay prompt specifically asks for a title, then you should include one, but that’s rare for the main personal statement.

Word Count: The Common App essay limit is 650 words, and the application will not let you submit an essay that exceeds this. Aim for 600–650 words if possible.

Example: Let’s say you wrote your essay in Google Docs. When you’re ready, remove any bold, italics, headers, or underlines. Copy the plain text, paste it into the Common App essay box, and then scan for any lost formatting or wonky paragraph breaks—sometimes quotation marks or apostrophes get messed up, so double-check these areas.

Summary: No title, name, headers, or footers. Use plain text. Make sure your paragraphs are clear, and check your word count. The focus is always on your content, voice, and clarity—professional formatting simply means making it easy to read, not fancy.

If you have specific formatting worries (like essays for other schools or scholarships not on Common App), they may want a Word or PDF file. In those cases, stick with Times New Roman or Arial, 12 pt, double-spaced, 1-inch margins—very standard.

Best of luck polishing your essay! Let your story come through, and formatting won't get in the way.