Common App Formatting Guidelines

Are you in the process of applying to college and need to write a Common App essay? With such a complex task, students often focus on crafting strong introductions, intriguing body paragraphs, and memorable conclusions. However, it is important not to forget the basic formatting of your essay in terms of font and presentation. This post is here to help give you some guidelines on the way you should present your essay so that it looks professional to the admissions officers reading it. 

Common App Formatting Guidelines

When writing the Common App essay, here are some things to keep in mind regarding formatting:

• Font: Use an easily readable font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. A 12-point font size should be used. 

   

• Spacing: Use 1.5 spacing to ensure the text does not look crowded.  Paragraphs should be separated with a blank line in between them. 

   

• Indentation: Using indents for new paragraphs is not required. Instead, leave a blank line in between paragraphs. 

   

• Page margins: Use standard 1-inch margins on all sides. 

   

• Word count: Stay within the limit of 250-650 words. The Common App portal will not let you submit an essay over 650 words.

   

• Special emphasis on words: The Common App text box does not support bold, italics, or underlining so avoid using these in your essay.

   

• Alignment: Your essay should be left-aligned or justified. Do not centre-align or right-align your essay. 

   

• Spelling and grammar: Since the Common App essay is used to apply to institutions in the US, ensure you use American English in your essay (eg: color instead of colour).