Do college essays need a title page or not?
So I'm just about to finish my Common App essay, and I keep seeing conflicting advice about whether or not I should include a title page. Some websites say it's unnecessary, others suggest titles are optional, and a few even mention including your name and info on a separate title page.
I'm kind of confused because I don't want to look unprofessional, but I also don't want to break any unspoken rules. If you've already submitted or are in the process, what did you do? Did you include a title or a whole cover page for your essay, or just start right in with the first paragraph?
I’d love to hear what the norm is, especially for top schools like UCLA or UChicago. (If it matters, my essay is a personal story and comes in just under the word limit.)
I'm kind of confused because I don't want to look unprofessional, but I also don't want to break any unspoken rules. If you've already submitted or are in the process, what did you do? Did you include a title or a whole cover page for your essay, or just start right in with the first paragraph?
I’d love to hear what the norm is, especially for top schools like UCLA or UChicago. (If it matters, my essay is a personal story and comes in just under the word limit.)
1 month ago
•
32 views
Roger Lopez
• 1 month ago
Advisor
Great question—this confusion is really common when it comes to submitting essays through the Common App and other college application portals. The vast majority of colleges, including top schools like UCLA, UChicago, and others that use the Common App, do NOT expect or want a separate title page for your main personal essay or any of the supplemental essays.
Instead, you should simply paste your essay directly into the text box provided in the application. There is no space for special formatting, headers, footers, or a cover/title page. Typically, you also don’t need to add your name or any identifying information—the application already attaches your essay to your profile.
If you’re submitting through the Common App, just start your essay with the first line of your story, like a narrative or letter. Some students choose to include a title at the top (for example, putting “Strangers in the Cafeteria” in bold or italics), but even that is optional. Most admissions officers will skip the title and focus on your content. Starting right away with the opening sentence is perfectly standard and professional.
For example, if your essay begins, “The old radio buzzed in my hands as I twisted the dial, hunting for familiar voices on channels that didn’t quite belong,” just start with that line—no intro or heading needed.
The only exceptions might be rare supplemental essays in PDF uploads that specifically request separate documents with a certain format, but this is extremely uncommon. Always check the specific instructions for each application. If they don’t mention titles or formatting, keep it simple: no title page, and begin your essay right away.
In short, you’re totally safe (and following the norm) by skipping a title page and not including extra information. Let your story speak for itself!
Instead, you should simply paste your essay directly into the text box provided in the application. There is no space for special formatting, headers, footers, or a cover/title page. Typically, you also don’t need to add your name or any identifying information—the application already attaches your essay to your profile.
If you’re submitting through the Common App, just start your essay with the first line of your story, like a narrative or letter. Some students choose to include a title at the top (for example, putting “Strangers in the Cafeteria” in bold or italics), but even that is optional. Most admissions officers will skip the title and focus on your content. Starting right away with the opening sentence is perfectly standard and professional.
For example, if your essay begins, “The old radio buzzed in my hands as I twisted the dial, hunting for familiar voices on channels that didn’t quite belong,” just start with that line—no intro or heading needed.
The only exceptions might be rare supplemental essays in PDF uploads that specifically request separate documents with a certain format, but this is extremely uncommon. Always check the specific instructions for each application. If they don’t mention titles or formatting, keep it simple: no title page, and begin your essay right away.
In short, you’re totally safe (and following the norm) by skipping a title page and not including extra information. Let your story speak for itself!
Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years