Common App Essay Format

So, I'm working on my Common App essay, and I'm not sure about the formatting. Should I use a specific font or line spacing? How should I structure my paragraphs? Any advice would be super helpful!

When it comes to formatting your Common App essay, it's best to keep things simple and clear. While there's no rigid set of rules, here are some general guidelines you can follow:

1. Font: Stick to a standard, easily readable font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Ensure it's set to a font size of 11 or 12.

2. Line spacing: Use single or 1.5 line spacing to make your essay easy to read. Some schools may have specific line-spacing requirements, so double-check if needed.

3. Margins: Set your margins to 1 inch on all sides. This helps maintain a consistent, professional look.

4. Structure: Organize your essay into clearly defined paragraphs, usually with one main idea per paragraph. Each paragraph should be no more than 2-3 sentences long to avoid overwhelming readers with large blocks of text.

5. Indentation: Indent the first line of each new paragraph, keeping the rest of the lines left-aligned.

6. Justification: Keep your text left-justified to ensure even spacing and readability.

7. Heading: Your essay should not require any headers or footers. The Common App system will usually generate a heading that includes your name, high school, date, and word count.

8. Word count: Keep an eye on the word limit set by the Common App, which is 650 words. Try to stay within this limit while still effectively conveying your thoughts.

Remember, the content of your essay is far more important than its formatting. Focus on creating a compelling narrative, engaging the reader, and demonstrating your unique qualities. Adhere to the general rules above and make sure your essay is clear and easy to read, but don't lose sight of the big picture: telling your story effectively.