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How to Format and Structure Your College Essay

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College essays are an entirely new type of writing for high school seniors. For that reason, many students are confused about proper formatting and essay structure. Should you double-space or single-space? Do you need a title? What kind of narrative style is best-suited for your topic?

In this post, we’ll be going over proper college essay format, traditional and unconventional essay structures (plus sample essays!), and which structure might work best for you. 

General College Essay Formatting Guidelines

How you format your essay will depend on whether you’re submitting in a text box, or attaching a document. We’ll go over the different best practices for both, but regardless of how you’re submitting, here are some general formatting tips:

• There’s no need for a title; it takes up unnecessary space and eats into your word count
• Stay within the word count as much as possible (+/- 10% of the upper limit). For further discussion on college essay length, see our post How Long Should Your College Essay Be?
• Indent or double space to separate paragraphs clearly

If you’re submitting in a text box:

• Avoid italics and bold, since formatting often doesn’t transfer over in text boxes
• Be careful with essays meant to be a certain shape (like a balloon); text boxes will likely not respect that formatting. Beyond that, this technique can also seem gimmicky, so proceed with caution
• Make sure that paragraphs are clearly separated, as text boxes can also undo indents and double spacing

If you’re attaching a document:

• Use a standard font and size like Times New Roman, 12 point
• Make your lines 1.5-spaced or double-spaced
• Use 1-inch margins
• Save as a PDF since it can’t be edited. This also prevents any formatting issues that come with Microsoft Word, since older versions are sometimes incompatible with the newer formatting
• Number each page with your last name in the header or footer (like “Smith 1”)
• Pay extra attention to any word limits, as you won’t be cut off automatically, unlike with most text boxes

Conventional College Essay Structures

Now that we’ve gone over the logistical aspects of your essay, let’s talk about how you should structure your writing. There are three traditional college essay structures. They are:

• In-the-moment narrative
• Narrative told over an extended period of time
• Series of anecdotes, or montage

Let’s go over what each one is exactly, and take a look at some real essays using these structures.

1. In-the-moment narrative

This is where you tell the story one moment at a time, sharing the events as they occur. In the moment narrative is a powerful essay format, as your reader experiences the events, your thoughts, and your emotions with you . This structure is ideal for a specific experience involving extensive internal dialogue, emotions, and reflections.

Here’s an example:

The morning of the Model United Nation conference, I walked into Committee feeling confident about my research. We were simulating the Nuremberg Trials – a series of post-World War II proceedings for war crimes – and my portfolio was of the Soviet Judge Major General Iona Nikitchenko. Until that day, the infamous Nazi regime had only been a chapter in my history textbook; however, the conference’s unveiling of each defendant’s crimes brought those horrors to life. The previous night, I had organized my research, proofread my position paper and gone over Judge Nikitchenko’s pertinent statements. I aimed to find the perfect balance between his stance and my own.

As I walked into committee anticipating a battle of wits, my director abruptly called out to me. “I’m afraid we’ve received a late confirmation from another delegate who will be representing Judge Nikitchenko. You, on the other hand, are now the defense attorney, Otto Stahmer.” Everyone around me buzzed around the room in excitement, coordinating with their allies and developing strategies against their enemies, oblivious to the bomb that had just dropped on me. I felt frozen in my tracks, and it seemed that only rage against the careless delegate who had confirmed her presence so late could pull me out of my trance. After having spent a month painstakingly crafting my verdicts and gathering evidence against the Nazis, I now needed to reverse my stance only three hours before the first session.

Gradually, anger gave way to utter panic. My research was fundamental to my performance, and without it, I knew I could add little to the Trials. But confident in my ability, my director optimistically recommended constructing an impromptu defense. Nervously, I began my research anew. Despite feeling hopeless, as I read through the prosecution’s arguments, I uncovered substantial loopholes. I noticed a lack of conclusive evidence against the defendants and certain inconsistencies in testimonies. My discovery energized me, inspiring me to revisit the historical overview in my conference “Background Guide” and to search the web for other relevant articles. Some Nazi prisoners had been treated as “guilty” before their court dates. While I had brushed this information under the carpet while developing my position as a judge, it now became the focus of my defense. I began scratching out a new argument, centered on the premise that the allied countries had violated the fundamental rule that, a defendant was “not guilty” until proven otherwise.

At the end of the three hours, I felt better prepared. The first session began, and with bravado, I raised my placard to speak. Microphone in hand, I turned to face my audience. “Greetings delegates. I, Otto Stahmer would like to…….” I suddenly blanked. Utter dread permeated my body as I tried to recall my thoughts in vain. “Defence Attorney, Stahmer we’ll come back to you,” my Committee Director broke the silence as I tottered back to my seat, flushed with embarrassment. Despite my shame, I was undeterred. I needed to vindicate my director’s faith in me. I pulled out my notes, refocused, and began outlining my arguments in a more clear and direct manner. Thereafter, I spoke articulately, confidently putting forth my points. I was overjoyed when Secretariat members congratulated me on my fine performance.

Going into the conference, I believed that preparation was the key to success. I wouldn’t say I disagree with that statement now, but I believe adaptability is equally important. My ability to problem-solve in the face of an unforeseen challenge proved advantageous in the art of diplomacy. Not only did this experience transform me into a confident and eloquent delegate at that conference, but it also helped me become a more flexible and creative thinker in a variety of other capacities. Now that I know I can adapt under pressure, I look forward to engaging in activities that will push me to be even quicker on my feet.

This essay is an excellent example of in-the-moment narration. The student openly shares their internal state with us — we feel their anger and panic upon the reversal of roles. We empathize with their emotions of “utter dread” and embarrassment when they’re unable to speak. 

For in-the-moment essays, overloading on descriptions is a common mistake students make. This writer provides just the right amount of background and details to help us understand the situation, however, and balances out the actual event with reflection on the significance of this experience. 

One main area of improvement is that the writer sometimes makes explicit statements that could be better illustrated through their thoughts, actions, and feelings. For instance, they say they “spoke articulately” after recovering from their initial inability to speak, and they also claim that adaptability has helped them in other situations. This is not as engaging as actual examples that convey the same meaning. Still, this essay overall is a strong example of in-the-moment narration, and gives us a relatable look into the writer’s life and personality.

2. Narrative told over an extended period of time

In this essay structure, you share a story that takes place across several different experiences. This narrative style is well-suited for any story arc with multiple parts. If you want to highlight your development over time, you might consider this structure. 

When I was younger, I was adamant that no two foods on my plate touch. As a result, I often used a second plate to prevent such an atrocity. In many ways, I learned to separate different things this way from my older brothers, Nate and Rob. Growing up, I idolized both of them. Nate was a performer, and I insisted on arriving early to his shows to secure front row seats, refusing to budge during intermission for fear of missing anything. Rob was a three-sport athlete, and I attended his games religiously, waving worn-out foam cougar paws and cheering until my voice was hoarse. My brothers were my role models. However, while each was talented, neither was interested in the other’s passion. To me, they represented two contrasting ideals of what I could become: artist or athlete. I believed I had to choose.

And for a long time, I chose athlete. I played soccer, basketball, and lacrosse and viewed myself exclusively as an athlete, believing the arts were not for me. I conveniently overlooked that since the age of five, I had been composing stories for my family for Christmas, gifts that were as much for me as them, as I loved writing. So when in tenth grade, I had the option of taking a creative writing class, I was faced with a question: could I be an athlete and a writer? After much debate, I enrolled in the class, feeling both apprehensive and excited. When I arrived on the first day of school, my teacher, Ms. Jenkins, asked us to write down our expectations for the class. After a few minutes, eraser shavings stubbornly sunbathing on my now-smudged paper, I finally wrote, “I do not expect to become a published writer from this class. I just want this to be a place where I can write freely.”

Although the purpose of the class never changed for me, on the third “submission day,” – our time to submit writing to upcoming contests and literary magazines – I faced a predicament. For the first two submission days, I had passed the time editing earlier pieces, eventually (pretty quickly) resorting to screen snake when hopelessness made the words look like hieroglyphics. I must not have been as subtle as I thought, as on the third of these days, Ms. Jenkins approached me. After shifting from excuse to excuse as to why I did not submit my writing, I finally recognized the real reason I had withheld my work: I was scared. I did not want to be different, and I did not want to challenge not only others’ perceptions of me, but also my own. I yielded to Ms. Jenkin’s pleas and sent one of my pieces to an upcoming contest.

By the time the letter came, I had already forgotten about the contest. When the flimsy white envelope arrived in the mail, I was shocked and ecstatic to learn that I had received 2nd place in a nationwide writing competition. The next morning, however, I discovered Ms. Jenkins would make an announcement to the whole school exposing me as a poet. I decided to own this identity and embrace my friends’ jokes and playful digs, and over time, they have learned to accept and respect this part of me. I have since seen more boys at my school identifying themselves as writers or artists.

I no longer see myself as an athlete and a poet independently, but rather I see these two aspects forming a single inseparable identity – me. Despite their apparent differences, these two disciplines are quite similar, as each requires creativity and devotion. I am still a poet when I am lacing up my cleats for soccer practice and still an athlete when I am building metaphors in the back of my mind – and I have realized ice cream and gummy bears taste pretty good together.

The timeline of this essay spans from the writer’s childhood all the way to sophomore year, but we only see key moments along this journey. First, we get context for why the writer thought he had to choose one identity: his older brothers had very distinct interests. Then, we learn about the student’s 10th grade creative writing class, writing contest, and results of the contest. Finally, the essay covers the writers’ embarrassment of his identity as a poet, to gradual acceptance and pride in that identity. 

This essay is a great example of a narrative told over an extended period of time. It’s highly personal and reflective, as the piece shares the writer’s conflicting feelings, and takes care to get to the root of those feelings. Furthermore, the overarching story is that of a personal transformation and development, so it’s well-suited to this essay structure.

3. Series of anecdotes, or montage

This essay structure allows you to focus on the most important experiences of a single storyline, or it lets you feature multiple (not necessarily related) stories that highlight your personality. Montage is a structure where you piece together separate scenes to form a whole story. This technique is most commonly associated with film. Just envision your favorite movie—it likely is a montage of various scenes that may not even be chronological. 

Night had robbed the academy of its daytime colors, yet there was comfort in the dim lights that cast shadows of our advances against the bare studio walls. Silhouettes of roundhouse kicks, spin crescent kicks, uppercuts and the occasional butterfly kick danced while we sparred. She approached me, eyes narrowed with the trace of a smirk challenging me. “Ready spar!” Her arm began an upward trajectory targeting my shoulder, a common first move. I sidestepped — only to almost collide with another flying fist. Pivoting my right foot, I snapped my left leg, aiming my heel at her midsection. The center judge raised one finger. 

There was no time to celebrate, not in the traditional sense at least. Master Pollard gave a brief command greeted with a unanimous “Yes, sir” and the thud of 20 hands dropping-down-and-giving-him-30, while the “winners” celebrated their victory with laps as usual. 

Three years ago, seven-thirty in the evening meant I was a warrior. It meant standing up straighter, pushing a little harder, “Yes, sir” and “Yes, ma’am”, celebrating birthdays by breaking boards, never pointing your toes, and familiarity. Three years later, seven-thirty in the morning meant I was nervous. 

The room is uncomfortably large. The sprung floor soaks up the checkerboard of sunlight piercing through the colonial windows. The mirrored walls further illuminate the studio and I feel the light scrutinizing my sorry attempts at a pas de bourrée , while capturing the organic fluidity of the dancers around me. “ Chassé en croix, grand battement, pique, pirouette.” I follow the graceful limbs of the woman in front of me, her legs floating ribbons, as she executes what seems to be a perfect ronds de jambes. Each movement remains a negotiation. With admirable patience, Ms. Tan casts me a sympathetic glance.   

There is no time to wallow in the misery that is my right foot. Taekwondo calls for dorsiflexion; pointed toes are synonymous with broken toes. My thoughts drag me into a flashback of the usual response to this painful mistake: “You might as well grab a tutu and head to the ballet studio next door.” Well, here I am Master Pollard, unfortunately still following your orders to never point my toes, but no longer feeling the satisfaction that comes with being a third degree black belt with 5 years of experience quite literally under her belt. It’s like being a white belt again — just in a leotard and ballet slippers. 

But the appetite for new beginnings that brought me here doesn’t falter. It is only reinforced by the classical rendition of “Dancing Queen” that floods the room and the ghost of familiarity that reassures me that this new beginning does not and will not erase the past. After years spent at the top, it’s hard to start over. But surrendering what you are only leads you to what you may become. In Taekwondo, we started each class reciting the tenets: honor, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, courage, humility, and knowledge, and I have never felt that I embodied those traits more so than when I started ballet. 

The thing about change is that it eventually stops making things so different. After nine different schools, four different countries, three different continents, fluency in Tamil, Norwegian, and English, there are more blurred lines than there are clear fragments. My life has not been a tactfully executed, gold medal-worthy Taekwondo form with each movement defined, nor has it been a series of frappés performed by a prima ballerina with each extension identical and precise, but thankfully it has been like the dynamics of a spinning back kick, fluid, and like my chances of landing a pirouette, unpredictable. 

This essay takes a few different anecdotes and weaves them into a coherent narrative about the writer’s penchant for novel experiences. We’re plunged into her universe, in the middle of her Taekwondo spar, three years before the present day. She then transitions into a scene in a ballet studio, present day. By switching from past tense to present tense, the writer clearly demarcates this shift in time. 

The parallel use of the spoken phrase “Point” in the essay ties these two experiences together. The writer also employs a flashback to Master Pollard’s remark about “grabbing a tutu” and her habit of dorsiflexing her toes, which further cements the connection between these anecdotes. 

While some of the descriptions are a little wordy, the piece is well-executed overall, and is a stellar example of the montage structure. The two anecdotes are seamlessly intertwined, and they both clearly illustrate the student’s determination, dedication, reflectiveness, and adaptability. The writer also concludes the essay with a larger reflection on her life, many moves, and multiple languages. 

Unconventional College Essay Structures

Unconventional essay structures are any that don’t fit into the categories above. These tend to be higher risk, as it’s easier to turn off the admissions officer, but they’re also higher reward if executed correctly. 

There are endless possibilities for unconventional structures, but most fall under one of two categories:

1. Playing with essay format

Instead of choosing a traditional narrative format, you might take a more creative route to showcase your interests, writing your essay:

• As a movie script
• With a creative visual format (such as creating a visual pattern with the spaces between your sentences forming a picture)
• As a two-sided Lincoln-Douglas debate
• As a legal brief
• Using song lyrics

2. Linguistic techniques

You could also play with the actual language and sentence structure of your essay, writing it:

• In iambic pentameter
• Partially in your mother tongue
• In code or a programming language

These linguistic techniques are often hybrid, where you write some of the essay with the linguistic variation, then write more of an explanation in English.

Under no circumstances should you feel pressured to use an unconventional structure. Trying to force something unconventional will only hurt your chances. That being said, if a creative structure comes naturally to you, suits your personality, and works with the content of your essay — go for that structure!

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What format should I use for my college essay?

Read the prompt and essay instructions thoroughly to learn how to start off a college essay. Some colleges provide guidance about formatting. If not, the best course of action is to stick with a college standard like the MLA format.

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College Essay Format: How to Ace Your Application

Applying to college can feel like a herculean task, but one key detail that often gets overlooked is your college essay format. This isn’t just about neatness; the structure of your essay is a powerful medium that can spotlight your unique personality and life experiences, offering a compelling narrative to the admissions committee.

It’s not just about what you’re saying, it’s about how you’re saying it.

From picking the right typeface and size, to double-spacing and getting those margins just right, every little detail counts. We’re here to walk you through the process of getting your college essay formatted and in order, making sure your application is head and shoulders above the rest.

One Application For All Colleges!!

The Common App is a one-stop digital hub for college applications. You can apply to over 1,000 colleges globally with just one application. It also offers resources for financial aid, scholarships, and advice from experts. Your main essay is the heart of the Common App, reviewed by all your potential schools.

Many colleges using the Common App have their own essay prompts, known as “supplemental essays”. These help schools understand your academic interests and other unique traits. So, while the Common App simplifies applications, be ready to write extra essays for specific schools. Always check each school’s requirements on their admissions page or in the Common App.

Before you proceed, here’s the list of Common App essay prompts for 2023-2024 for you to consider:

• If you have a unique background, identity, interest, or talent that is crucial to your identity, please share your story.
• Share an instance where you faced a significant challenge or failure and what you learned from it.
• Discuss a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea, what led to it, and the result.
• Talk about an act of kindness that surprised you and made you feel grateful, and how it influenced or inspired you.
• Describe an achievement, event, or realization that led to personal growth and new insights about yourself or others.
• Explain a topic or idea that fascinates you so much that you lose track of time, why it interests you, and where you go to learn more about it.
• Write an essay on any topic of your choice. It could be a previously written piece, a response to another prompt, or a topic of your own choosing.

College Essay Format

A well-formatted college essay can make a world of difference in the impression you leave on the admissions committee. Here are some key elements to keep in mind when formatting your college essay:

Related : Top 6 Reasons Why You Should Apply To College

Choose the Right Font and Size

Go for a standard, easy-to-read font like Times New Roman or Arial . The font size should ideally be 12 points. This ensures that your essay is readable and looks professional. A well-chosen font can make a big difference in getting your message across.

Use Double Spacing

Double spacing between lines helps readability by preventing the text from looking squished on the page. It also gives space for reviewers to jot down notes or comments directly on the essay if they read a paper copy of your essay.

Set Margins Correctly

Standard margins are typically 1 inch on all sides. This gives a clean, uncluttered look and ensures your text doesn’t look squeezed onto the page.

Indent the First Line of Each Paragraph

Indenting the first line of each paragraph helps to visually distinguish between paragraphs, making your essay easier to read and follow.

Use Headers and Subheaders

If your essay is long, consider using headers and subheaders to break up the text into manageable chunks. This helps guide the reader through your essay and makes it easier to understand.

Number Your Pages

Page numbers help keep your essay organized and ensure that none of the pages get lost or misplaced. They’re particularly handy if your essay is printed out.

Include Your Name, Date & Title in Header

Yes, it’s a good practice to include a header on each page of your essay with your name, the date, and the title of your essay. This ensures that all pages of your essay remain together if they are printed out and somehow become separated. It also helps identify your work on each page.

Proofread for Errors

Before you submit your essay, proofread it thoroughly for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Even minor mistakes can distract from the quality of your content. Consider using a tool like Microsoft Word’s spell check feature or Grammarly to help catch any errors you might have missed.

Follow Specific Instructions

If the admissions department has provided specific formatting instructions, be sure to follow them exactly. This shows that you pay attention to detail and respect the guidelines set by the institution.

Related : How Many Colleges Should You Apply To?

College Essay Outline Template

Title: [Your Title Here] Introduction: – Engaging Opening: Start with a compelling anecdote, quote, or personal story related to the topic. – Context: Provide some context or background information about the topic. – Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main idea of your essay and your unique perspective on the topic. Body Paragraph 1: – Topic Sentence: State the main point of this paragraph. – Evidence: Provide specific evidence or examples to support your point. – Analysis: Analyze your evidence and explain how it supports your point and connects to your thesis. – Transition: Use a transition sentence to smoothly lead into the next paragraph. Body Paragraph 2: – Topic Sentence: State the main point of this paragraph. – Evidence: Provide specific evidence or examples to support your point. – Analysis: Analyze your evidence and explain how it supports your point and connects to your thesis. – Transition: Use a transition sentence to smoothly lead into the next paragraph. Body Paragraph 3: – Topic Sentence: State the main point of this paragraph. – Evidence: Provide specific evidence or examples to support your point. – Analysis: Analyze your evidence and explain how it supports your point and connects to your thesis. Conclusion: – Restatement of Thesis: Restate your thesis in a new way, emphasizing its importance and relevance. – Summary of Main Points: Briefly summarize the main points you made in your body paragraphs. – Closing Thoughts: End with a thought-provoking statement, question, or call-to-action that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Postscript: – Reflection: Reflect on what you learned from writing this essay and how it has helped you grow as a person and a writer.

Craft an Engaging Title

The title should be catchy and relevant to your essay. It’s the first thing the admissions committee will see, so make it count. It should give a hint about your essay’s topic or theme without giving too much away.

Do: “The Green Lens: Climate Anxiety & My Actions”

Don’t: “Essay 1”

Design a Professional Essay Header

The header should include your name, date, and the title of your essay. This helps identify your essay in case it gets separated from your application.

Do: “John Doe, October 25, 2023, The Green Lens: Climate Anxiety & My Actions”

Don’t: “JD, Essay”

Create a Compelling Hook

The hook is the first sentence or two of your essay. It should grab the reader’s attention and make them want to read more. This could be a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or a brief anecdote related to your topic.

Do: “As I stood on the beach, watching the waves crash against the shore, I couldn’t help but wonder: how much longer will this be here?” 

Don’t: “This essay is about climate anxiety.”

In an essay, a hook and a thesis statement serve different purposes and are typically found in different parts of the introduction.

• The Hook : This is usually the first sentence (or sentences) of your essay. Its purpose is to grab the reader’s attention and make them want to read more. It could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a bold statement, or an interesting anecdote.
• The Thesis Statement : This comes later in the introduction, after the hook. It’s a clear, concise statement that presents the main argument or focus of your essay. It sets the tone for the rest of your paper and guides your writing. It should answer the question: “What is this essay about?”

Related : The College Application Process Explained!

Formulate a Strong Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement is a clear, concise statement of your main argument or focus. It should be specific and directly answer the question or prompt given. The thesis statement guides the content of the rest of your essay.

Do: “In this essay, I’m going to dive into my personal journey with climate anxiety and how it’s shaped my actions toward environmental conservation.” 

Don’t: “I’m going to write about climate change.”

Develop a Thorough Body

The body of your essay is where you present your arguments and evidence. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea that supports your thesis.

Do: Use each paragraph to discuss a different aspect of the issue, such as the causes of climate anxiety, the effects on personal actions, and potential solutions. 

Don’t: Jump from one idea to another without clear organization.

HEADS UP : Remember, clarity and coherence are key in writing an effective college essay. Each part should flow naturally into the next, and your ideas should be presented in a logical manner. 

• Do: “One major cause of climate anxiety is the increasing frequency of natural disasters.” 
• Don’t: “Let’s talk about natural disasters.”
• Do: Provide specific facts, statistics, and examples to support your main idea. 
• Don’t: Make vague or unsupported statements.
• Do: “Having discussed the causes of climate anxiety, I want to talk about its impact on me and my everyday life..” 
• Don’t: Suddenly start discussing a new idea without a smooth transition.

Related : ‘Why Do YOU Deserve a Scholarship?’ Tips to Tackle this Essay Prompt

Conclude with a Thought-Provoking Conclusion

The conclusion wraps up your essay by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis in a new way. It should leave the reader with something to think about.

Do: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in a new way. 

Don’t: Introduce new information or arguments.

• Do: Briefly recap the main points you made in your essay. 
• Don’t: Simply copy and paste sentences from your essay.
• Do: “Unless we take immediate action to combat climate change, we risk losing our planet as we know it.” 
• Don’t: End your essay abruptly without a closing statement.

College Essay Ideas: What Should I Write My College Essay About

Choosing a topic for your college essay can often be the most challenging part of the application process. You want to select a subject that is meaningful to you and can showcase your unique qualities and experiences.

From personal challenges to passions and interests, these exercises will guide you in digging deep and discovering the stories that are most important to you. Let’s dive in and explore some college essay ideas that could make your application stand out.

The Values Exercise

This exercise involves identifying your core values and how they have influenced your life. For example, if one of your core values is “compassion,” you might write about a time when you volunteered at a local shelter, and how this experience deepened your understanding of empathy and kindness.

The Essence Objects Exercise

This exercise asks you to think about objects that represent essential aspects of your identity. For example, a paintbrush might represent your passion for art, a family heirloom might symbolize your connection to your heritage, or a medal might represent your dedication to athletics.

Related : 5 Strategies to Pick the Right College Based on Your Skill Set

The ‘Everything I Want Colleges to Know About Me’ Exercise

In this exercise, you make a list of things that you want colleges to know about you that might not be evident from the rest of your application. For example, you might include your love for cooking, your ability to solve complex math problems, or your knack for making people laugh.

WOW!! : Check out some of the best essays by high school seniors about “money” which were featured in The New York Times.

Personal Challenges or Experiences

Reflect on challenges you’ve faced, how they’ve affected you, and what you’ve learned from them. This could be a unique extracurricular activity, an interest that contrasts heavily with your profile, or a seemingly insignificant moment that speaks to larger themes in your life.

Passions and Interests

Discuss something you’re deeply passionate about or interested in. This could be an academic subject (like history or biology), a hobby (like photography or hiking), or even a cause that’s important to you (like environmental conservation or social justice).

College Essay Tips

A well-written and thoughtful essay—reflecting who you are and what you believe—can go a long way to separating your application from the slew of forgettable ones that admissions officers read.

Start Early

Instead of starting your essay the night before it’s due, begin at least a week in advance. Starting early gives you the luxury of time to brainstorm, research, write, and revise without feeling rushed. It allows you to approach the task with a clear mind and a relaxed attitude, which can significantly improve the quality of your work. 

Grab the Reader From the Start

Your opening sentence or paragraph should act like a hook, immediately capturing the reader’s attention and drawing them into your essay. Whether it’s an intriguing anecdote, a surprising fact, or a provocative question, make sure your start is compelling enough to engage your reader from the get-go.

Instead of starting your essay with a generic statement like “This essay will discuss…”, try something more engaging like “Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue?”

Use Vivid, Specific Details

Breathe life into your essay by incorporating vivid descriptions and sensory details. Instead of merely telling your story, show it through concrete examples and rich imagery. This not only makes your writing more engaging but also helps your reader visualize and connect with your experiences.

Instead of saying “I love playing basketball”, you could say “I love the feeling of the ball in my hands, the sound of sneakers squeaking on the court, and the thrill of making a three-pointer.”

Authenticity is key in personal writing. Let your true personality and voice shine through in your essay. It should provide a personal context that communicates your values, qualities, experiences, and perspectives. This authenticity sets you apart from other students and makes you more memorable to admissions officers.

Instead of trying to impress the reader with grandiose statements or achievements, be honest about your experiences and feelings. For example, you could write about how volunteering at a local shelter changed your perspective on homelessness.

Be Unique, But Not Bizarre

While it’s important to stand out from the crowd, avoid resorting to shock tactics or trying too hard to be different. The best way to be unique is simply by being yourself and presenting your genuine thoughts and experiences. Remember, authenticity is more appealing than eccentricity.

Instead of writing an essay about a common topic like your favorite book or movie, try writing about something unique to you, like your family’s tradition of celebrating birthdays with a special soup.

Avoid Clichés and Platitudes

Clichés and platitudes are overused and lack originality. They can make your essay sound uninspired and dull. Instead of relying on these tired phrases, strive to express your thoughts in fresh and unique ways that reflect your individual perspective.

Instead of using clichés like “Every cloud has a silver lining”, try to express your thoughts in a more original way. For example, you could say “Even in difficult times, there are always opportunities for growth and learning.”

Read It Aloud

Reading your essay out loud is a great way to catch errors and awkward phrasing that you might overlook when reading silently. It can also help you ensure that your writing flows smoothly and naturally.

Related : Preparing for College? 13 Tips for a Successful Transition

Keep the Focus Narrow

Rather than trying to cover multiple topics or ideas in one essay, concentrate on a single theme or idea. This allows you to delve deeper into that topic and provide a more detailed and insightful discussion. A focused essay is often more compelling than one that tries to cover too much ground.

Instead of trying to cover all aspects of your life in one essay, focus on one specific experience or theme. For example, you could write about how moving to a new city taught you the importance of adaptability.

Do Your Best

The format of your college essay plays a big part in how your application is seen. It isn’t just about having killer ideas or a captivating story; it’s also about presenting those ideas in a clear, professional way.

By sticking to these guidelines on font choice, spacing, margins, indentation, headers, page numbers, and proofreading, you can make sure your essay is not only engaging but also easy on the eyes.

Get started early, keep your focus narrow, and most importantly, let your personality shine through. With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to nailing your college application .

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a college essay.

The length of a college essay can vary based on the specific guidelines set by the college or university. Common App essays are usually capped at 650 words, while supplemental essays can range anywhere from 100 to 500 words or more. It’s crucial to stick to the application instructions provided by the school, as they may have unique requirements for essay length.

Do you wonder how to structure a college essay?

There are no set rules for structuring a college application essay, but you should carefully plan and outline to ensure your essay flows smoothly and logically. Typical structural choices include a series of vignettes with a common theme or a single story that demonstrates your positive qualities.

How to start off an essay?

You can start your essay with a shocking, unexpected, or amusing fact about the topic you’re covering. This grabs the reader’s attention and makes them want to read further. You can also ask a question in your essay opening, directly inviting the reader to interact with your work.

How to conclude a college essay?

A strong conclusion should tie together the essay’s main points, show why your argument matters, and leave the reader with a strong impression8. You can restate your thesis, review your main points, and show why it matters.

How to write a ‘why this college’ essay?

The “Why this college?” essay should demonstrate—through specific details and examples—why you’re a great match for a particular school. It’s important to thoroughly research the college, connect what you’ve learned through your research to yourself, and then outline and write the essay.

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College Application Essay Format Rules

The college application essay has become the most important part of applying to college. In this article, we will go over the  best college essay format for getting into top schools, including how to structure the elements of a college admissions essay: margins, font, paragraphs, spacing, headers, and organization. 

We will focus on commonly asked questions about the best college essay structure. Finally, we will go over essay formatting tips and examples.

Table of Contents

• General college essay formatting rules
• How to format a college admissions essay
• Sections of a college admissions essay
• College application essay format examples

General College Essay Format Rules

Before talking about how to format your college admission essays, we need to talk about general college essay formatting rules.

Pay attention to word count

It has been well-established that the most important rule of college application essays is to  not go over the specific Application Essay word limit .  The word limit for the Common Application essay is typically 500-650 words.

Not only may it be impossible to go over the word count (in the case of the  Common Application essay , which uses text fields), but admissions officers often use software that will throw out any essay that breaks this rule. Following directions is a key indicator of being a successful student. 

Refocusing on the essay prompt and eliminating unnecessary adverbs, filler words, and prepositional phrases will help improve your essay.

On the other hand, it is advisable to use almost every available word. The college essay application field is very competitive, so leaving extra words on the table puts you at a disadvantage. Include an example or anecdote near the end of your essay to meet the total word count.

Do not write a wall of text: use paragraphs

Here is a brutal truth:  College admissions counselors only read the application essays that help them make a decision .  Otherwise, they will not read the essay at all. The problem is that you do not know whether the rest of your application (transcripts, academic record, awards, etc.) will be competitive enough to get you accepted.

A very simple writing rule for your application essay (and for essay editing of any type) is to  make your writing readable by adding line breaks and separate paragraphs.

Line breaks do not count toward word count, so they are a very easy way to organize your essay structure, ideas, and topics. Remember, college counselors, if you’re lucky, will spend 30 sec to 1 minute reading your essay. Give them every opportunity to understand your writing.

Do not include an essay title 

Unless specifically required, do not use a title for your personal statement or essay. This is a waste of your word limit and is redundant since the essay prompt itself serves as the title.

Never use overly casual, colloquial, or text message-based formatting like this: 

THIS IS A REALLY IMPORTANT POINT!. #collegeapplication #collegeessay.

Under no circumstances should you use emojis, all caps, symbols, hashtags, or slang in a college essay. Although technology, texting, and social media are continuing to transform how we use modern language (what a great topic for a college application essay!), admissions officers will view the use of these casual formatting elements as immature and inappropriate for such an important document.

How To Format A College Application Essay

There are many  tips for writing college admissions essays . How you upload your college application essay depends on whether you will be cutting and pasting your essay into a text box in an online application form or attaching a formatted document.

Save and upload your college essay in the proper format

Check the application instructions if you’re not sure what you need to do. Currently, the Common Application requires you to copy and paste your essay into a text box.

There are three main formats when it comes to submitting your college essay or personal statement:

If submitting your application essay in a text box

For the Common Application, there is no need to attach a document since there is a dedicated input field. You still want to write your essay in a word processor or Google doc. Just make sure once you copy-paste your essay into the text box that your line breaks (paragraphs), indents, and formatting is retained. 

• Formatting like  bold , underline, and  italics  are often lost when copy-pasting into a text box.
• Double-check that you are under the word limit.  Word counts may be different within the text box .
• Make sure that paragraphs and spacing are maintained;  text input fields often undo indents and double-spacing .
• If possible, make sure the font is standardized.  Text input boxes usually allow just one font . 

If submitting your application essay as a document

When attaching a document, you must do more than just double-check the format of your admissions essay. You need to be proactive and make sure the structure is logical and will be attractive to readers.

Microsoft Word (.DOC) format

If you are submitting your application essay as a file upload, then you will likely submit a .doc or .docx file. The downside is that MS Word files are editable, and there are sometimes conflicts between different MS Word versions (2010 vs 2016 vs Office365). The upside is that Word can be opened by almost any text program.

This is a safe choice if maintaining the  visual  elements of your essay is important. Saving your essay as a PDF prevents any formatting issues that come with Microsoft Word, since older versions are sometimes incompatible with the newer formatting. 

Although PDF viewing programs are commonly available, many older readers and Internet users (who will be your admissions officers) may not be ready to view PDFs.

• Use 1-inch margins . This is the default setting for Microsoft Word. However, students from Asia using programs like Hangul Word Processor will need to double-check.
• Use a standard serif font.  These include Times New Roman, Courier, and Garamond. A serif font adds professionalism to your essay.
• Use standard 12-font size. 
• Use 1.5- or double-spacing.  Your application essay should be readable. Double spaces are not an issue as the essay should already fit on one page.
• Add a Header  with your First Name, Last Name, university, and other required information.
• Clearly   separate your paragraphs.  By default, just press ‘ENTER’ twice.

Sections Of A College Admissions Essay

University admissions protocols usually allow you to choose the format and style of your writing. Despite this, the general format of “Introduction-Body-Conclusion” is the most common structure. This is a common format you can use and adjust to your specific writing style.

College Application Essay Introduction

Typically, your first paragraph should introduce you or the topic that you will discuss. You must have a killer opener if you want the admissions committees to pay attention. 

Essays that use rhetorical tools, factual statements, dialog, etc. are encouraged. There is room to be creative since many application essays specifically focus on past learning experiences.

College Application Essay Body

Clearly answering the essay prompt is the most important part of the essay body. Keep reading over the prompt and making sure everything in the body supports it. 

Since personal statement essays are designed to show you are as a person and student, the essay body is also where you talk about your experiences and identity.

Make sure you include the following life experiences and how they relate to the essay prompt. Be sure to double-check that they relate back to the essay prompt. A college admissions essay is NOT an autobiography:

Personal challenges

• How did you overcome them?
• How or how much do past challenges define your current outlook or worldview? 
• What did you learn about yourself when you failed?

Personal achievements and successes

• What people helped you along the way?
• What did you learn about the nature of success

Lessons learned

• In general, did your experiences inform your choice of university or major?

Personal beliefs

• Politics, philosophy, and religion may be included here, but be careful when discussing sensitive personal or political topics. 
• Academic goals
• Personal goals
• Professional goals
• How will attending the university help you achieve these goals?

College Application Essay Conclusion

The conclusion section is a call to action directly aimed at the admissions officers. You must demonstrate why you are a great fit for the university, which means you should refer to specific programs, majors, or professors that guided or inspired you. 

In this “why this school” part of the essay, you can also explain why the university is a great fit for  your  goals. Be straightforward and truthful, but express your interest in the school boldly.

College Application Essay Format Examples

Here are several formatting examples of successful college admission essays, along with comments from the essay editor.

Note: Actual sample essays edited by  Wordvice professional editors .  Personal info has been redacted for privacy. This is not a college essay template.

College Admission Essay Example 1

This essay asks the student to write about how normal life experiences can have huge effects on personal growth:

Common App Essay Prompt: Thoughtful Rides

The Florida turnpike is a very redundant and plain expressway; we do not have the scenic luxury of mountains, forests, or even deserts stretching endlessly into the distance. Instead, we are blessed with repetitive fields of grazing cows and countless billboards advertising local businesses. I have been subjected to these monotonous views three times a week, driving two hours every other day to Sunrise and back to my house in Miami, Florida—all to practice for my competitive soccer team in hopes of receiving a scholarship to play soccer at the next level. 

The Introduction sets up a clear, visceral memory and communicates a key extracurricular activity. 

When I first began these mini road trips, I would jam out to my country playlist and sing along with my favorite artists, and the trek would seem relatively short. However, after listening to “Beautiful Crazy” by Luke Combs for the 48th time in a week, the song became as repetitive as the landscape I was driving through. Changing genres did not help much either; everything I played seemed to morph into the same brain-numbing sound.  Eventually, I decided to do what many peers in my generation fail to do: turn off the distractions, enjoy the silence, and immerse myself in my own thoughts. In the end, this seemingly simple decision led to a lot of personal growth and tranquility in my life. 

The first part of the Body connects the student’s past experience with the essay prompt: personal growth and challenging assumptions.

Although I did not fully realize it at the time, these rides were the perfect opportunity to reflect on myself and the people around me. I quickly began noticing the different personalities surrounding me in the flow of traffic, and this simple act of noticing reminded me that I was not the only human on this planet that mattered. I was just as unimportant as the woman sitting in the car next to mine. Conversely, I also came to appreciate how a gesture as simple as letting another driver merge into your lane can impact a stranger’s day. Maybe the other driver is late for a work interview or rushing to the hospital because their newborn is running a high fever and by allowing them to advance in the row of cars, you made their day just a little less stressful. I realized that if I could improve someone else’s day from my car,  I could definitely be a kinder person and take other people’s situations into consideration—because you never know if someone is having one of the worst days of their lives and their interaction with you could provide the motivation they need to keep going on . 

This part uses two examples to support the writer’s answer to the essay prompt. It ends the paragraph with a clear statement.

Realizing I was not the only being in the universe that mattered was not the only insight I attained during these drives. Over and over, I asked myself why I had chosen to change soccer clubs, leaving Pinecrest, the team I had played on for 8 years with my best friends and that was only a 10-minute drive from my house, to play for a completely unfamiliar team that required significantly more travel.  Eventually, I came to understand that I truly enjoy challenging myself and pushing past complacency . One of my main goals in life is to play and experience college soccer—that, and to eventually pursue a career as a doctor. Ultimately, leaving my comfort zone in Pinecrest, where mediocrity was celebrated, to join a team in Sunrise, where championships were expected and college offers were abundant, was a very positive decision in my life. 

This part clearly tells how the experience shaped the writer as a person. The student’s personality can be directly attributed to this memory. It also importantly states personal and academic goals.

Even if I do not end up playing college soccer, I know now that I will never back down from any challenge in my life; I am committed to pushing myself past my comfort zone. These car rides have given me insight into how strong I truly am and how much impact I can have on other people’s lives. 

The Conclusion restates the overall lesson learned.

College Admission Essay Example 2

The next essay asks the reader to use leadership roles or extracurricular activities and describe the experience, contribution, and what the student learned about themselves.

As I release the air from the blood-pressure monitor’s valve, I carefully track the gauge, listening for the faint “lub-dub” of  Winnie’s heart. Checking off the “hypertensive” box on his medical chart when reading 150/95, I then escort Winnie to the blood sugar station. This was the typical procedure of a volunteer at the UConn Migrant Farm Worker Clinic. Our traveling medical clinic operated at night, visiting various Connecticut farms to provide healthcare for migrant workers. Filling out charts, taking blood pressure, and recording BMI were all standard procedures, but the relationships I built with farmers such as Winnie impacted me the most.

This Introduction is very impactful. It highlights the student’s professional expertise as a healthcare worker and her impact on marginalized communities. It also is written in the present tense to add impact.

While the clinic was canceled this year due to COVID-19, I still wanted to do something for them. During a PPE-drive meeting this July, Winnie recounted his family history. I noticed his eyebrows furrow with anxiety as he spoke about his family’s safety in Tierra Blanca, Mexico. I realized that Winnie lacked substantial information about his hometown, and fear-mongering headlines did nothing to assuage his fears. After days of searching, I discovered that his hometown, Guanajuato, reported fewer cases of COVID-19 in comparison with surrounding towns. I then created a color-coded map of his town, showing rates across the different districts. Winnie’s eyes softened, marveling at the map I made for him this August. I didn’t need to explain what he saw: Guanajuato, his home state, was pale yellow, the color I chose to mark the lowest level of cases. By making this map, I didn’t intend to give him new hope; I wanted to show him where hope was.

The student continues to tell the powerful story of one of her patients. This humbles and empowers the student, motivating her in the next paragraph.

This interaction fueled my commitment to search for hope in my journey of becoming a public health official. Working in public health policy, I hope to tackle complex world problems, such as economic and social barriers to healthcare and find creative methods of improving outcomes in queer and Latinx communities. I want to study the present and potential future intervention strategies in minority communities for addressing language barriers to information including language on posters and gendered language, and for instituting social and support services for community youth. These stepping stones will hopefully prepare me for conducting professional research for the Medical Organization for Latino Advancement. I aspire to be an active proponent of healthcare access and equity for marginalized groups, including queer communities. I first learned about the importance of recognizing minority identities in healthcare through my bisexual sister, Sophie, and her nonbinary friend, Gilligan. During discussions with her friends, I realized the importance of validating diverse gender expressions in all facets of my life.

Here, the past experience is directly connected to future academic and professional goals, which themselves are motivated by a desire to increase access among communities as well as personal family experiences. This is a strong case for why personal identity is so important.

My experiences with Winnie and my sister have empowered me to be creative, thoughtful, and brave while challenging the assumptions currently embedded in the “visual vocabulary” of both the art and science fields. I envision myself deconstructing hegemonic ideas of masculinity and femininity and surmounting the limitations of traditional perceptions of male and female bodies as it relates to existing healthcare practices. Through these subtle changes, I aim to make a large impact.

The Conclusion positions the student as an impactful leader and visionary. This is a powerful case for the admissions board to consider.

If you want to read more college admissions essay examples, check out our articles about  successful college personal statements  and the  2021-2022 Common App prompts and example essays .

Wordvice offers a full suite of proofreading and editing services . If you are a student applying to college and are having trouble with the best college admissions essay format, check out our application essay editing services  (including personal statement editing ) and find out  how much online proofreading costs . 

Finally, don’t forget to receive common app essay editing and professional admissions editing for any other admissions documents for college, university, and post-doctoral programs.