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Do I need to format my college essay using MLA?

I'm a bit confused about the formatting requirements for my college essay. Do I need to use the MLA format, or can I simply follow the Common App requirements? Thanks for any insights!

a year ago

Hey there! It's natural to have questions about the formatting of your college essay. Generally, colleges don't require or expect MLA formatting for essays submitted through the Common App. The Common App has its own formatting guidelines that you should follow.

For example, it's crucial to keep your essay within the word limit (250-650 words) and to use easily readable fonts like Times New Roman or Arial. Also, use a standard font size like 12 and double-space your essay to make it more legible.

However, it's a good idea to check each college's specific requirements on their website to ensure that your essay meets their standards. Some colleges may have other preferences, but those tend to be rare. As long as you adhere to the Common App guidelines and do a little research on specific college requirements, you should be in great shape. Good luck with your essay!

a year ago

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