Does the Common App Use Plain Text? (Spoiler Alert: It’s a Bit More Complicated Than That)
So, you’ve poured your heart and soul into your Common App essay, and you’re ready to hit submit. But wait! You’re staring at the text box, wondering – does the Common App use plain text? Do you need to delete all that fancy formatting you’ve been painstakingly adding? Is it going to look like a giant, unreadable block of text when the admissions officers read it?
Hold your horses, aspiring college student. The Common App is a bit of a formatting enigma. It’s not as simple as “plain text” or “rich text.” It’s somewhere in between, and that’s where the confusion comes in.
Let’s break down the Common App’s formatting quirks:
- Plain Text? Not Quite. The Common App text box does allow some basic formatting – bold, italics, and underline. That means you can emphasize certain words or phrases, but don’t get fancy with headings, bullet points, or special fonts. The Common App likes it simple.
- The Common App’s Secret Weapon: Bold. The text box defaults to bold text, which can be a bit of a head-scratcher. It’s like the Common App saying, “Hey, we’re bold, so be bold too!” However, you don’t need to keep everything in bold. You can switch to plain text if you want, but honestly, the bold format probably won’t hurt your chances.
- MLA Rules Apply (Kind Of). Think of the Common App essay like a slightly less formal version of an academic paper. You’ll want to stick to basic MLA guidelines for formatting titles, foreign words, and other stylistic elements. But don’t get bogged down with the nitty-gritty details. The Common App’s focus is on your voice and personality, not your mastery of MLA.
- The Big No-No: Indentation. Forget about indenting your paragraphs. The Common App doesn’t support it, and trying to force it in will probably just make your essay look messy. Just leave a blank line between paragraphs to separate them.
- Font Matters (But It’s Pretty Basic). Stick to classic, readable fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, or Cambria. And keep the font size at 12pt. Don’t try to get fancy with different font types or sizes – you’re not writing a creative writing piece, you’re applying to college.
- The Essay’s Length: A Fine Balancing Act. Aim for a word count between 500 and 600. That’s enough space for you to tell your story, showcase your personality, and demonstrate your writing skills without overwhelming the reader. Remember, quality matters more than quantity.
So, what’s the verdict? Should you submit your essay in plain text or with bold formatting?
Here’s the truth: It probably doesn’t matter that much. The Common App’s focus is on the content of your essay, not the formatting. Admissions officers are more interested in what you have to say than how you make it look.
Here’s a tip: If you’re really worried about formatting, stick to the basics. Use bold for emphasis, italics for titles and foreign words, and make sure your paragraphs are spaced correctly. And most importantly, make sure your essay is clear, concise, and engaging.
Think of it this way: The Common App is a bit like a quirky, slightly eccentric friend. They’re not picky about how you present yourself, but they appreciate it when you make an effort to be presentable.
Here’s the bottom line: Don’t stress too much about the Common App’s formatting quirks. Focus on crafting a compelling essay that showcases your personality and your potential. The admissions officers will appreciate your effort, regardless of whether your essay is in bold or plain text.
Need more help with your Common App essay? Head over to the JobLoving community, where you can connect with other students, get advice from experts, and find resources to help you craft the perfect essay. We’re all in this together!