I'm starting to work on my entrance essays and I'm stressing out over the formatting details. Does anyone know of a 'standard' style I should be adhering to? Your suggestions are much appreciated!
While there's no fixed 'standard' for formatting college admission essays, there are some common practices that could be useful to follow:
- Font: Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri and 12-point font are generally accepted. These are easy to read and professional.
- Alignment: Align your text to the left of the page. Center and right alignments aren't commonly used.
- Margins: Standard 1-inch margins on all sides are preferable.
- Spacing: Most often, schools want double-spaced essays, but pay close attention to each college's individual guidelines.
- Paragraphs: Structure your essay into paragraphs, each paragraph focusing on a particular point or idea. This helps improve readability.
- Length: While colleges usually set a word limit for the essay, if no limit is set, aim for around 500-650 words.
- Header: Unless otherwise directed, it can be useful to include a header on every page with your name, the date, the essay prompt, and the college's name. Ensure this doesn't count towards your word limit.
It's always crucial to follow any specific guidelines that a college may provide. Instructions can vary, so make sure to read each school's prompt and submission guidelines closely. Remember, the substance of your essay is far more important than its format. The admission essay is a chance for you to introduce yourself and demonstrate your personality, values, experiences, and goals. Your voice should shine through your writing.
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