Strikethrough on the Common App: A Tale of Censorship and College Dreams
So, you’re crafting your Common App essay, pouring your heart and soul into every word. You’ve got the perfect anecdote, the perfect phrasing, but then…a sudden realization hits: “Does the Common App even support strikethrough?”
Hold your horses, aspiring college student, because the answer is… drumroll please… a resounding maybe!
Let’s dive into the murky depths of Common App formatting and see if we can find some clarity (and maybe even a little humor) along the way.
Strikethrough: The Forbidden Format?
The Common App, that behemoth of college applications, has a reputation for being as strict as a high school principal on a caffeine bender. It’s all about uniformity, standard fonts, and a general aversion to anything that might distract from the serious business of college admissions.
So, does the Common App support the strikethrough feature? Well, the answer is a bit like trying to decipher the instructions on a box of instant ramen: It’s not exactly a clear-cut “yes” or “no.”
Here’s the deal: While the Common App doesn’t specifically prohibit strikethrough, it’s not officially supported. Think of it like wearing a neon pink tutu to a job interview: Technically, you’re not barred from doing it, but it’s probably not going to get you the job.
Why the Strikethrough Ban (or Lack Thereof)?
Why the reluctance to embrace strikethrough? Well, the Common App’s logic is as straightforward as a bowl of plain oatmeal: Consistency and readability. Strikethrough can potentially disrupt the flow of your essay and make it harder for admissions officers to focus on your brilliant prose.
It’s like trying to read a book with a bunch of random scribbles throughout. You might be able to decipher it, but it’s going to be a bit frustrating and time-consuming.
But Wait, There’s More!
Now, before you start throwing your laptop out the window in a fit of frustration, remember: You’ve got options!
The “See Add’l Info” Hack:
Remember those “See Add’l Info” sections? They’re your secret weapon. If you want to add details or explanations that might disrupt the flow of your main essay, use those additional info sections to your advantage. Think of it as a separate “backstage” where you can elaborate without sacrificing the elegance of your main performance.
The Power of Italics:
The Common App does support italics, which can be a great alternative to strikethrough. Think of italics as the subtle whisper of emphasis, perfect for highlighting key phrases or foreign languages. It’s like the secret handshake of the Common App world, letting you add a bit of flair without going full-blown neon pink tutu.
Boldness is Your Friend:
Remember, bolding text can also be used for emphasis. It’s like putting a spotlight on your most important points, making them pop out from the page. Just don’t overdo it – you don’t want to sound like you’re yelling at the admissions committee.
The Magic of White Space:
Sometimes, the best way to emphasize something is to simply give it some space to breathe. Use bullet points, line breaks, and proper spacing to create a visual hierarchy in your essay. Think of it as giving your words a manicure and a spa day – they’ll be looking their best.
The Common App: A Formatting Enigma
The Common App is a bit of a formatting enigma, a world where the rules are constantly changing. One year, they’re all about bolding and italics, and the next year, they’re shouting from the rooftops about the importance of plain text. It’s enough to make your head spin faster than a hamster on a wheel.
Key Takeaways
- Strikethrough is not officially supported by the Common App.
- You can use “See Add’l Info” sections to elaborate on details.
- Italics are your friend for emphasizing key phrases or foreign languages.
- Use bold text sparingly for emphasis.
- Embrace white space and formatting to create a visually engaging essay.
In Conclusion
So, there you have it: Strikethrough on the Common App is a bit of a mystery. But with a little creativity and a touch of formatting finesse, you can still make your essay stand out from the crowd. Just remember, the key to a successful Common App essay is not about the fancy formatting, but about the substance and the story behind your words.
Need further help navigating the Common App’s formatting jungle or have any other college application questions? Don’t hesitate to connect with us at the JobLoving community. We’re here to help you conquer the college application process and land your dream school.