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How to Format A College Essay: 15 Expert Tips

College Essays

When you're applying to college, even small decisions can feel high-stakes. This is especially true for the college essay, which often feels like the most personal part of the application. You may agonize over your college application essay format: the font, the margins, even the file format. Or maybe you're agonizing over how to organize your thoughts overall. Should you use a narrative structure? Five paragraphs?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll go over the ins and outs of how to format a college essay on both the micro and macro levels. We'll discuss minor formatting issues like headings and fonts, then discuss broad formatting concerns like whether or not to use a five-paragraph essay, and if you should use a college essay template.

How to Format a College Essay: Font, Margins, Etc.

Some of your formatting concerns will depend on whether you will be cutting and pasting your essay into a text box on an online application form or attaching a formatted document. If you aren't sure which you'll need to do, check the application instructions. Note that the Common Application does currently require you to copy and paste your essay into a text box.

Most schools also allow you to send in a paper application, which theoretically gives you increased control over your essay formatting. However, I generally don't advise sending in a paper application (unless you have no other option) for a couple of reasons:

Most schools state that they prefer to receive online applications. While it typically won't affect your chances of admission, it is wise to comply with institutional preferences in the college application process where possible. It tends to make the whole process go much more smoothly.

Paper applications can get lost in the mail. Certainly there can also be problems with online applications, but you'll be aware of the problem much sooner than if your paper application gets diverted somehow and then mailed back to you. By contrast, online applications let you be confident that your materials were received.

Regardless of how you will end up submitting your essay, you should draft it in a word processor. This will help you keep track of word count, let you use spell check, and so on.

Next, I'll go over some of the concerns you might have about the correct college essay application format, whether you're copying and pasting into a text box or attaching a document, plus a few tips that apply either way.

Formatting Guidelines That Apply No Matter How You End Up Submitting the Essay:

Unless it's specifically requested, you don't need a title. It will just eat into your word count.

Avoid cutesy, overly colloquial formatting choices like ALL CAPS or ~unnecessary symbols~ or, heaven forbid, emoji and #hashtags. Your college essay should be professional, and anything too cutesy or casual will come off as immature.

Mmm, delicious essay...I mean sandwich.

Why College Essay Templates Are a Bad Idea

You might see college essay templates online that offer guidelines on how to structure your essay and what to say in each paragraph. I strongly advise against using a template. It will make your essay sound canned and bland—two of the worst things a college essay can be. It's much better to think about what you want to say, and then talk through how to best structure it with someone else and/or make your own practice outlines before you sit down to write.

You can also find tons of successful sample essays online. Looking at these to get an idea of different styles and topics is fine, but again, I don't advise closely patterning your essay after a sample essay. You will do the best if your essay really reflects your own original voice and the experiences that are most meaningful to you.

College Application Essay Format: Key Takeaways

There are two levels of formatting you might be worried about: the micro (fonts, headings, margins, etc) and the macro (the overall structure of your essay).

Tips for the micro level of your college application essay format:

• Always draft your essay in a word processing software, even if you'll be copy-and-pasting it over into a text box.
• If you are copy-and-pasting it into a text box, make sure your formatting transfers properly, your paragraphs are clearly delineated, and your essay isn't cut off.
• If you are attaching a document, make sure your font is easily readable, your margins are standard 1-inch, your essay is 1.5 or double-spaced, and your file format is compatible with the application specs.
• There's no need for a title unless otherwise specified—it will just eat into your word count.

Tips for the macro level of your college application essay format :

• There is no super-secret college essay format that will guarantee success.
• In terms of structure, it's most important that you have an introduction that makes it clear where you're going and a conclusion that wraps up with a main point. For the middle of your essay, you have lots of freedom, just so long as it flows logically!
• I advise against using an essay template, as it will make your essay sound stilted and unoriginal.

Plus, if you use a college essay template, how will you get rid of these medieval weirdos?

What's Next?

Still feeling lost? Check out our total guide to the personal statement , or see our step-by-step guide to writing the perfect essay .

If you're not sure where to start, consider these tips for attention-grabbing first sentences to college essays!

And be sure to avoid these 10 college essay mistakes .

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Ellen has extensive education mentorship experience and is deeply committed to helping students succeed in all areas of life. She received a BA from Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Columbia University.

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How to Write a College Application Essay

Your essay reveals something important about you that your grades and test scores can't─your personality. It can give admissions officers a sense of who you are and showcase your writing ability. Here are some things that admissions officers look for in a personal essay for college.

1. Open Strong.

Knowing how to start a college essay can create a strong opening paragraph that immediately captures the reader’s interest. You want to make the admissions officer reading your essay curious about what you say next.

2. Show You Can Write.

Colleges want to see that you have a command of the basics of good writing, which is a key component of success in college.

3. Answer the Prompt.

Admissions officers also want to see that the student can give a direct answer while sticking to a comprehensive narrative. When writing college essays, consider the point you want to make and develop a fleshed-out response that fits the prompt. Avoid force-fitting prewritten pieces. Approach every personal essay prompt as if it's your first.

4. Stick to Your Style.

Writing college essays isn't about using flowery or verbose prose. Avoid leaning too heavily on the thesaurus to sound impressive. Choose a natural writing style that’s appropriate for the subject matter.

Also, avoid stressing about trying to write what you think colleges want to see. Learning how to draft a good essay for college is about showcasing who you are. Stay true to your voice. Keep in mind that authenticity is more important than anything else.

5. Proofread.

Correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling are essential. Proofread several times after you've finished. Then ask a teacher, parent, or college English major to give it a quick read as well.

6. Keep Track of Length.

Finally, admissions officers value succinctness. Remember to pay attention to the recommended essay length or word count.

Bonus Tips and College Essay Writing Help

For more on how to write a college essay, check out these Tips for Writing Your College Admissions Essay .

What is the college application essay?

A personal essay for college applications is an opportunity for admission admissions panels to get more insight into who you are and what you have to offer. It's often the most personal component of the application, going beyond grades and standardized test scores. Essays usually have open-ended prompts, allowing you to flex your writing skills and make a personal statement.

Does my college application essay really matter?

Learning how to write a successful essay for college is crucial. This essay's exact weight on your chances of acceptance varies from one school to the next. But it's an element of your application that all admissions teams consider. Your essay could be the thing that gets you off a waiting list or gives you a competitive edge over other applicants.

What are colleges looking for in my application essay?

Knowing what to include in a college essay is half the battle. Admissions teams look for many things, but the most influential are authenticity, writing ability, character details, and positive traits. The purpose of the essay is to shed light on your background and gain perspective on your real-world experiences.

When should I start writing my college essay?

Because you'll want to tailor each application to each school, expect to write multiple personal essays. Advisers typically recommend starting these pieces during the summer before your senior year of high school. This will give you ample time to concentrate on writing a college essay before you're hit with schoolwork.

What can I do to write an effective college essay if I'm not a strong writer?

Good writing skills matter, but the best college essay is about the quality of your response. Authentic stories in a natural voice have impact. The story you want to tell about yourself will work better for you if it’s told in language that’s not overly sophisticated. Work with a writing coach for help with the academic aspects. Make responding with substance a priority.

How can I write my college essay if I have no monumental experiences?

You don't need life-changing moments to impress an admissions panel. Think about your personal experiences. Describe moments that left a lasting impact. The important thing is to have a fleshed-out narrative that provides insight into your life and way of thinking. Some of the best essays revolve around meaningful moments rather than flashy ones.

How should I start brainstorming topics for my college essay?

Most colleges provide open-ended prompts. Using the topic as inspiration, think about critical milestones or essential lessons you learned during your academic career. Tell stories about real-life experiences that have shaped the person you are. Write them down to brainstorm ideas. Choose stories that highlight your best traits.

What is a good list of essay topics to start with? What essay topics should I avoid?

Good topics when writing college essays include personal achievements, meaningful lessons, life-changing challenges, and situations that fostered personal growth. It's best to avoid anything too intimate or controversial. You want to open up, but it's not a good idea to go overboard or alienate members of the admissions panel.

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.

How long should my essay be?

The average length of a personal essay for college is 400─600 words. Always read the prompt. Follow the instructions provided in the application.

Who should I ask to review my college essay?

Turn to your school counselor for review. They understand what college admissions panels are looking for, and they can provide valuable insight into your piece's quality. You can also reach out to English teachers and other educators for proofreading.

Find the right college for you.

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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Admit-a-bull // official admissions blog, how to write a standout college application essay.

By Emily Young | Last Updated: Oct 22, 2024

Although USF doesn’t require an application essay (unless you’re applying to the Judy Genshaft Honors College), many schools do. As part of your college application, you might be asked to submit a personal statement and supplemental essays that help the college admissions team get to know you.

Writing a personal statement can feel overwhelming — especially if, like most high school students, you haven’t had much experience writing about yourself. But you’ve come to the right place! We’re here to help you unlock your creativity. Here’s how to write a standout college application essay that makes you the main character in your story.

Think of Yourself as The Main Character

You’ve probably spent your academic career writing persuasive or literary essays. A college application essay is different because it’s not simply about ideas. It’s about a person — you. That’s why turning to fiction for inspiration can help.

“You have to think of yourself as the main character,” says Melissa Baumgart, a college applications tutor who uses her MFA in creative writing to help students craft character-driven personal statements. “In a story — whether it’s a movie or a book — the main character is the person who changes the most.”

Baumgart says many students don’t make their essay enough about themselves. When brainstorming a topic, ask yourself: “If you’re not the person changing the most in the story, is that the right story for your essay?”

Don’t Try to Fit Your Whole Life into One Essay

A common pitfall is trying to fit in everything that’s ever happened in your life. Instead, remember that your application is like a portfolio. Convey your academic success through your high grades, your love of soccer through your extracurricular activities, and your additional character qualities through teacher recommendation letters. (You can always ask your teacher to bring up a particular achievement to highlight, like the time you mentored another student in their class.)

A personal essay isn’t a resume or a biography. Think of it more like a short story, says Baumgart. Pick an experience that can show “who you are in a nutshell.”

Structure Your Essay Around Change

“You want to show that you’re mature enough to describe something you went through and that you have the ability to reflect on what happened, what it meant to you, and how that’s going to affect your life moving forward,” explains Baumgart.

In other words, what did you learn from this experience? How does your “character” evolve?

Write The Essay Only You Can Write

Your personal essay is a chance to stand out from the crowd — to make a real connection with the admissions team. “A lot of kids have great grades. A lot of kids play sports,” Baumgart says. “Your essay is where you get to be yourself and where you get to write something nobody else could write. That’s one very big way to make an impression.”

Many students gravitate towards universal experiences, like playing on a sports team or losing a grandparent. Baumgart encourages students to dig deeper: find a more unique topic or figure out how your angle is different. “You don’t want to write a generic essay.”

Keep in mind that you don’t have to write about the worst or best experience of your life. “I don’t think an essay has to be about trauma. I don’t think it has to necessarily be about the biggest thing that ever happened to you,” Baumgart says. One of her students wrote an essay about going to the wrong airport: a funny story that taught her to be detail-oriented and prepared.

What matters is choosing the story that highlights the kind of person you are. Baumgart suggests asking yourself questions like, “Okay, what’s a story where I showed strength? What’s a story where I showed resilience?”

Find Your Writing Voice

You might be tempted to impress readers by cramming in every SAT word you know. But what admissions officers really want is to get a sense of your authentic voice.

Sometimes it can help to have a friend interview you about the story you’re writing — like that time you got lost hiking — and write down your answers. You can also try using dictation software, like Dragon Nuance, which converts your speech into text.

If your story has a lot of humor, make sure that it comes across appropriately. “You’re probably going to want to have some adults in your life read that, just to make sure that the tone is right,” Baumgart says. “What you want to think about, ultimately, is how do you want to represent yourself to this admissions committee? What qualities are you trying to show them that you have?”

Use Specific Details to Bring Your Story to Life

Because you have a word limit, you want to be specific with your word choices. Read your essay draft and look for placeholder words like “thing” or “stuff.” Can you replace them with something less generic?

Now look at nouns and verbs in your essay. Can you make them more specific?

Here’s an example: “Alone in the woods, I heard a bird sing.” Ask yourself, what kind of woods? What kind of bird?

Replacing “woods” with “pine forest” and “bird” with “mockingbird” creates a more narrative experience: “Alone in the pine forest, I heard a mockingbird sing.”

Use Creative Writing Exercises

It’s easy for application essays to feel stiff and formulaic, especially when you’re picturing an intimidating admissions officer reading it. Using creative writing tips can help you get out of your head and get into your story.

“ This is where I lean into my MFA background,” Baumgart says. “I like to encourage them to do some brainstorming or make a word list.”

A word list is when you write down every word that you associate with this story.

Let’s say you are writing about that time you got lost hiking. Brainstorm sensory details — what did the leaves sound like, under your feet? What could you hear in the tree branches above? What could you smell?

Let yourself sink into the memory, then write down the words that come to you. They can describe the scene or how you felt: crackle, woodsmoke, birdsong, lonely, isolated, brave… It doesn’t matter if some of the words seem silly to you right now. It’s a way to let your subconscious connect to this story. Later, you can choose the words that feel best.

Freewriting can also help. Before typing up your essay, write by hand in a notebook. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar, or even if your ideas make sense. Just keep going. You can organize your thoughts later!

Use Supplementary Essays to Talk about the School

Some schools require both a personal essay and supplementary essay(s). These supplementary essays can expand on your personal essay, giving a more well-rounded idea of who you are and what values you embody.

“The personal statement is who you are and how you think ,” says Baumgart. But in the supplementary essay, you can demonstrate why you’re a good match for this particular school.

“Students should really research schools and look at the websites and see how the schools talk about themselves,” Baumgart says. Once you’ve done your research, use your supplementary essay to show how you and the school can combine your strengths and weaknesses to become “greater than the sum of your parts.” Who do you hope to be as a result of the school’s resources and education? How do you embody the values represented by the school? What can you offer to the school — not only academically, but culturally?

“Being part of an academic class is not just about being a student. Are you contributing to the culture of the student body?” Baumgart says.

With the recent Affirmative Action decision, a lot of schools “are trying to infer more about diversity through the supplemental statements,” Baumgart says, so the essay can be a good place to mention your cultural heritage or identity.

Ask for Help When You Need It

Writing your personal statement for college applications can be tough, but you don’t have to go it alone. Find more essay writing advice at the USF blog . Reach out to your school counselor, a teacher, or a trusted adult. Partner up with a friend and tell each other your stories.

And remember, even though USF doesn’t require an essay, we are always ready to answer questions about the admissions process.  Reach out to us online , or give us a call at 813-974-3350. We look forward to seeing your application!

About Emily Young

Emily Young, a freelance writer and editor on the Gulf Coast, is a proud USF alumna dedicated to connecting readers to resources and helping students succeed.

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