The Great Common App Essay Spacing Debate: Should You Double Space Your Dreams?
You’re knee-deep in the application process, dodging deadlines like a seasoned ninja, and suddenly, a question pops up: Should your Common App essay be double-spaced? You’re staring at the blinking cursor, your brain stuck on a loop of “double-space or not double-space?”
Let’s cut to the chase: the answer is… it doesn’t really matter.
Hold on, don’t throw your laptop out the window just yet! We’re not saying your essay doesn’t matter – that’s a whole other level of existential crisis. We’re saying the spacing is a mere blip on the admissions radar.
Think of it this way: you’re applying to college, not participating in a calligraphy competition. The admissions officers want to hear your voice, your story, your unique perspective. They’re not going to be analyzing your essay with a ruler and a magnifying glass, looking for a misplaced space.
Now, let’s dive into the reasons why spacing isn’t the key to your college dreams:
The Common App: A Space-Free Zone
Remember that time you spent painstakingly adjusting margins and meticulously double-spacing your high school essays? Well, you can finally throw those formatting anxieties out the window.
The Common App, in its infinite wisdom, has ditched the attachment option. You’re now stuck with a single text box, no fancy formatting options, just a blank canvas for your words.
The Common App automatically formats your essay with single-spaced paragraphs, with an extra space between each paragraph. It’s like the online equivalent of a minimalist aesthetic – simple, clean, and a little bit boring.
The College Admissions Mantra: Content Over Formatting
Think of it this way: the admissions committee is more interested in what you have to say than how you say it. They’re looking for a well-written, insightful, and engaging essay that showcases your personality and potential.
Sure, they might notice if your essay looks like a chaotic jumble of words crammed onto a single page, but that’s more likely to be a reflection of your writing skills than your formatting choices.
The Case for Double-Spacing (Because We Love a Good Debate)
While the Common App has done away with the spacing debate, some college applications still allow you to attach your essay. And in those cases, double-spacing can have its advantages.
Double-spacing makes your essay easier to read. It provides a white space that helps the reader’s eyes follow the text and avoid feeling overwhelmed by a wall of words.
It also allows the admissions officers to make notes easily. If they’re marking up your essay, double spacing gives them more room to jot down their thoughts and feedback.
The Case for Single-Spacing (Because We Love a Good Argument)
Okay, hear us out. Single-spacing can make your essay look more concise and professional, especially if you’re a stickler for brevity and have a knack for writing impactful sentences.
However, be careful not to cram your essay onto a single page, making it look like a dense and impenetrable forest of words.
The Bottom Line: It’s All About Clarity and Impact
The truth is, the spacing of your Common App essay is a small detail in the grand scheme of things. The admissions officers are more interested in your ideas, your voice, and your ability to communicate effectively.
So, what should you do?
- Read the instructions: Some colleges may have specific guidelines for formatting. Always check the instructions carefully before you start writing.
- Use a standard font: Stick with a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, and use a size of 12 points.
- Keep it clean: Regardless of spacing, make sure your essay is well-organized, free of errors, and easy to read.
- Focus on the content: Spend your time crafting a compelling and engaging essay that showcases your unique personality and strengths.
Remember, the real key to a successful Common App essay is not the spacing, but the content. So, stop stressing over the margins and focus on crafting a story that will make the admissions officers want to read more.
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