Why Does the Common App Bold My Essay? (And Why You Should Care!)
You’ve poured your heart and soul into your Common App essay, crafting a masterpiece that perfectly captures your personality and aspirations. You meticulously edit, proofread, and polish it until it shines brighter than a diamond in a dumpster fire (okay, maybe not that bright, but you get the picture). You hit submit, feeling a surge of relief and anticipation. Then, you see it: your essay, in all its glory, rendered in BOLD.
Hold up! Is this some kind of cruel joke? Did the Common App decide to play a formatting prank on you? Or is there a deeper, more sinister reason behind this bold, bold move?
Fear not, aspiring college student! The answer, like most things in the college application process, is a bit of a mixed bag. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the depths of the Common App formatting abyss and uncover the truth about why your essay might be sporting a bold font. We’ll even sprinkle in a little humor and sarcasm to keep you entertained (because let’s face it, the college application process is about as fun as watching paint dry).
The Common App’s Bold Default: An Unintentional Formatting Faux Pas
The reason your essay might be bold is as simple as a misplaced click (or, more likely, the lack of one). You see, the Common App text box has a sneaky little habit of starting you off with bold formatting by default. It’s like the Common App is saying, “Hey, let’s start this off with a bang!” But, in reality, it’s more like a “bang” to your carefully crafted essay.
So, you might be thinking, “Well, if it’s bold by default, it can’t be a big deal, right?”
Wrong!
While it might seem like a minor detail, bolding your entire essay is a formatting faux pas that can make your essay look unprofessional and, frankly, a bit silly. Imagine reading a book where every single word was in bold. You’d probably end up with a headache and a severe case of eyestrain.
The Copy-Paste Conundrum: The Enemy of Good Formatting
Another common culprit behind the bolding of your essay is the dreaded copy-paste. We’ve all been there: you’ve spent hours perfecting your essay in Google Docs, and you’re ready to paste it into the Common App. You hit the “paste” button, and bam! Your essay is now a bold, unyielding fortress of text.
The reason for this copy-paste chaos? The Common App text box is, shall we say, not the most formatting-friendly environment. It has a limited set of formatting options, and sometimes it doesn’t play well with other programs. This means that when you copy and paste from Google Docs or Word, the formatting can get lost in translation.
The Unbold Button: Your Savior in the Formatting War
Fear not, dear reader! The Common App does have a handy little “Unbold” button lurking in the toolbar. It’s like a superhero ready to save your essay from the clutches of bold formatting. All you have to do is click it, and your essay will revert back to its original, plain-text glory.
Why Should You Care About Bold Formatting?
You might be thinking, “Big deal, my essay is bold. It’s still readable, right?”
While your essay might still be technically readable, using bold formatting can give off the wrong impression. Here’s why:
- Professionalism: Bolding your entire essay can make it look unprofessional and even a bit lazy. It shows that you didn’t take the time to carefully format your essay.
- Clarity: Too much bold formatting can make your essay difficult to read. It can be overwhelming for the reader and make it harder to focus on the content.
- Distraction: Bolding can distract the reader from the actual content of your essay. They might be more focused on the formatting than the message you’re trying to convey.
The Common App’s Formatting Quirks: A Guide to Navigating the Digital Maze
The Common App, like many online platforms, has its own unique set of formatting rules. Here’s a breakdown of the Common App’s formatting quirks:
- Font: The Common App doesn’t have a specific font preference, but it’s best to stick to standard fonts like Times New Roman or Arial. These fonts are easy to read and won’t distract the reader.
- Font Size: The Common App suggests using a 12-point font size, which is the standard size for most academic papers.
- Spacing: The Common App recommends single-spacing your essay. Double-spacing can make your essay look too long and can be difficult to read.
- Italics: If you need to use italics, use the Common App’s italics formatting tool. Don’t use bold or underline.
- Titles: Don’t include a title for your Common App essay. It will only take up extra space and might make your essay look cluttered.
The Bottom Line: Formatting Matters
While the content of your essay is the most important part, formatting plays a crucial role in how your essay is perceived. By taking the time to format your essay correctly, you can show the admissions committee that you are a thoughtful and detail-oriented applicant.
So, the next time you’re submitting your Common App, remember to check your formatting. Make sure your essay isn’t in bold, and follow the Common App’s guidelines for font, size, and spacing. You’ll thank yourself later!
Need More Help with Your Common App Essay?
If you’re struggling with your Common App essay, don’t panic! The JobLoving community is here to help. We have a team of expert writers and editors who can provide personalized feedback and guidance.
Let us help you craft an essay that will shine brighter than a diamond in a dumpster fire (or at least a well-lit room)!