Hey guys, as the college application season approaches, I find myself mulling over the perfect format for my college essays. Is there a standard essay formatting guideline that is generally followed? Any tips on the same would be great!
Sure, happy to help shed some light on this!
While there may not be a "standard" format, there are widely accepted guidelines to adhere to when you're formatting your college essay. Familiarizing yourself with these can give your essay the polish it needs to stand out.
1. Word Count: The specific word count may vary by prompt or school, but typically, the Common App essay word limit is 650 words. It's important to stay within the word count provided by the school, as exceeding it can be a sign that you struggle to convey your thoughts concisely.
2. Header: Your header should include your name, date, and the name of the college or specific prompt. This is not always necessary and can potentially clutter up your document if the application system already includes this information, but some students like to include it just to be thorough.
3. Font and Size: Stick to a standard, easy-to-read font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in size 12. It's best to avoid overly stylized fonts as they can be harder to read.
4. Margins and Spacing: Use standard margins (one inch on all sides) and double-spacing throughout the essay. This makes your essay look tidy and is easier on the eyes of admissions officers.
5. Paragraphs: Remember to break up your essay into logical paragraphs to make it easier to read and follow your points. Different paragraphs can tackle different parts of the story, argument, or ideas you are trying to convey.
6. No Title: As for titles, it's generally best to avoid them for college essays. Admissions officers already know what your essay will be about (you!), so a title can come off as unnecessary or pretentious.
7. Proofread: Last but not least, ensure there are no grammatical errors, punctuation errors, or typos in your essay. Nothing says 'rushed work' like a typo in the first paragraph.
Remember, these guidelines are just a starting point. The most important part of your essay is the content itself: your unique voice, perspective, and story. Good luck with your college applications!
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