Quick question guys, I'm a bit confused about formats for the college essay. I know in high school we're drilled to use MLA format for pretty much everything. Does the same rule apply to college application essays, or is it more free-form as long as it's clear and professional? How strict are colleges about this?
Hey there! Great question. College application essays are pretty different from your typical high school paper. They aren't generally required to adhere to a specific format like MLA. The most important thing is that your essay is clear, readable, and well-organized. Standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, size 12, and reasonable margins (usually 1 inch) are the norm. Colleges are really looking at the content of your essay—your story, experiences, and personality. Just make sure to keep your essay within the word limit provided by the college, which you can find on the application or their website.
As an example, you might use a simple narrative format, avoiding any fancy fonts or formatting. If you do use any sources or quotes, it's considerate and professional to attribute these where necessary, but there's no need to go full MLA with citations. Just focus on expressing yourself clearly and effectively. Good luck with your essays!
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