Presentation matters as much as compelling content when writing your college application essay or personal statement. A clear structure and proper college essay format showcase your organizational skills and make your narrative easier for admissions officers to read and appreciate.
Whether submitting through an online application or in hard copy, adhere to the specified word count and use a standard format. This typically includes well-structured paragraphs and appropriate spacing. If you’re pasting your essay into a text box, review how it appears after submission.
Remember, the goal is to create a college admission essay that tells your story effectively and demonstrates your attention to detail and ability to follow instructions—qualities that admissions committees value highly.
When structuring your college essay, you have a couple of standout formats to choose from:
- A Vignette Approach: This structure links several shorter, candid personal anecdotes or vignettes together through a unifying theme or message about your core positive qualities.
- A Narrative Path: Alternatively, you can construct your essay as a single, in-depth personal narrative or defining life story that illustrates and exemplifies your key strengths and attributes.
College essay format
While colleges may provide specific guidelines, follow these general formatting rules unless otherwise instructed:
- Length: Admissions essays typically have a maximum word count of 500-650 words. Precisely hit this range by slightly adjusting content if needed.
- Font: Use a 12-point font that is easily readable, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Avoid overly scripted or ornamental fonts.
- Spacing: Your lines should be double-spaced or spaced at 1.5 intervals between each line. This makes your essay more readable.
- Margins: Keep your margins at 1 inch on all page sides to maintain consistent spacing.
- Paragraphs: Clearly indent the first line of each new paragraph about half an inch from the left margin. This visually separates your thoughts.
- Heading: At the top left of the first page, include your name, essay prompt/topic, and the admissions cycle year.
Outlining your college application essay
After brainstorming topics, the next step is mapping out how your essay will flow from beginning to end before writing it. Think about the path you want your story to follow.
Do you want to tell it chronologically, from start to finish? Or would you prefer introducing the main idea upfront, going off in a different direction for a bit, and then circling back to that original point at the end? There are various options but decide on a clear overall structure before drafting.
That said, don’t feel tied down to your initial plan. Once you start writing the essay, you may find the chosen structure isn’t quite working. If so, it’s okay to switch things up and restructure it. Writing multiple drafts and rearranging the narrative is critical to getting it right.
Whichever format you choose, it should be straightforward and easy for the reader to follow from start to finish. Keep in mind the word count limits too. Most importantly, avoid anything confusing that could lose the reader’s attention. Remember, admissions officers have tons of essays to read – so simplicity and clarity are ideal.
The outline lays the basic foundation. But be willing to adjust your plan as you discover the best way to tell your story. The goal is a clear narrative path that engages the reader.
Structures that work: Two example outlines
There are two highly effective structural models to outline your admissions essay, which can help you address the essay prompt and create a compelling personal essay for your college application. Whether you’re working on your Common Application essay or a specific college’s supplemental essay, having a clear essay structure is crucial.
These models can guide you in formatting a college application essay that stands out, showcasing your personal growth and writing skills. Remember, while the content is paramount, proper college essay format is also important. Most colleges prefer simple formatting, often using a standard font like Times New Roman with double spacing.
As you write your essay, remember the word limit and avoid common mistakes, such as neglecting to address the essay topic directly. By following these guidelines and carefully crafting your opening paragraph, you’ll be well on your way to creating a great college essay that could help you gain admission to your chosen schools.
Vignettes with a common theme
This structure links several shorter, candid personal vignettes or anecdotes tied together by a central message or universal theme about your core positive qualities.
Example: Vignette structure
Introduction: The waiting room froze when the doctor said, “I’m sorry, it’s cancer.”
a. My mom’s diagnosis turned our world upside down. But I knew I had to stay strong for her and my little brother.
b. I helped with meals, kept our household running, and ensured my brother didn’t miss out on being a kid.
Challenging situations are nothing new for me.
a. That crazy stomach bug during my junior year sidelined me from lacrosse for weeks. However, I got creative with nutrition to regain my strength and rejoined my team for the championship game.
b. When my dad lost his job, I picked up more shifts at my part-time job without complaining to help pay bills.
Resilience has gotten me through hard times before. It will help power me through any future challenges in college and beyond.
Single story that demonstrates traits
This model uses a single captivating personal narrative or defining life events as an extended hook to gradually unpack related positive qualities.
Example: Narrative structure
1. Intro/hook: Vivid description of me at age 10, struggling with childhood obesity
1. Felt self-conscious and isolated from peers
2. Loved food but hated the way it made me feel
2. Trying to make healthier choices at age 14
1. Joined a local youth soccer team to get more active
2. Learned about nutrition and started making minor changes to my diet
3. Realized that making healthy choices wasn’t just about weight but about overall well-being
3. Committing to a healthier lifestyle at age 18
1. I had worked hard to educate myself about health and wellness
1. Read countless books and articles, attended seminars, and sought advice from professionals
2. I was prepared for setbacks and challenges
1. I had tried and failed to stick to diets and exercise routines in the past
2. I struggled with cravings and temptations, especially when stressed or around unhealthy foods
3. I had to learn to be patient with myself and celebrate small victories
4. Today, I still carry all those lessons and experiences
1. Self-awareness from age 10, proactivity from age 14, resilience from age 18
2. I am passionate about helping others on their own health journeys and sharing what I’ve learned