Double spacing essays

[Roadrunner]

I asked about this in the other thread, but decided to ask separately. Should college app essays be double spaced or single spaced or maybe at 1.5? Some schools are asking essays to be uploaded (instead of copy/pasted into app) and DS is creating PDFs to upload. Is there any convention around the spacing? 

[mlktwins]

I don't think double spaced for sure.  How were your counselor documents spaced and how did they look when uploaded?

[EKS]

I'd do whatever it takes for it to be on single page.

[Roadrunner]

I am totally overthinking this, I think.

All the Halloween chocolates are not helping!!! 
 

 

[Lori D.]

Carefully follow whatever formatting guidelines the college provides. Especially do not go over the maximum word-length. I would think most colleges would prefer seeing MLA formatting, or something similar, for a pdf fils. So double spaced, Times or Times New Roman, 12-point type, etc. If doing it in this sort of format runs more than 1 page, include the usual upper right corner heading with name + auto page #.

 

Here are tips from an article at this website: https://flexcollegeprep.com/college-application-essay-format/

"...Format Your Document...
• Margins: Use a 1” margin on all sides.
• Line Spacing: Use a 1.5 or double line spacing. Although you may be able to submit your work in single line spacing, this makes your essay easier to read.
• Paragraphs: Indent the first line of each paragraph with a tab.
• Fonts: Use a standard, easy-to-read font like Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri in 12-pt type.
• Alignment: Use “left align.” Do not justify the alignment.

Follow Submission Instructions: Each college or university has its own requirements for how to format your college essay application, which you must follow. Some may ask for your application ID number to be displayed on the cover page, others may ask for pages to be numbered, with a heading on each page. Use your Microsoft Word or Google Docs toolbar to check word count. Do not include your name unless you are requested to do so..."

AND

"... Use the Online Application: While some schools still accept your application essay on paper, it is generally the rule that you should use the online college application format instead. This will provide better assurance that your essay is received, and received in a timely manner. Submitting your application online also conforms to most college or university preferences for submittal.

Use a Standard Font: Most online applications are formatted to limit the font options. When creating your college application essay, avoid using fancy fonts. Stick to basic fonts, like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in 12-point type. Most important is the content, not the typeface. Online applications may also not accept formatting like bold or italics. Avoid using emojis, hashtags, underlines and ALL CAPS in your writing.

Check Your Formatting: Using the online application form, you may be required to enter your essay into a designated online space or box. Since the box parameters can alter the formatting you so carefully constructed, double check your entry to ensure that the entire piece was included and not cut off, that formatting like words in bold or italic was not eliminated, and that line spacing and paragraphs are still intact..."

 

And similar advice from this College Vine blog article:

"...If you’re attaching a document:
• Use a standard font and size like Times New Roman, 12 point
• Make your lines 1.5-spaced or double-spaced
• Use 1-inch margins
• Save as a PDF since it can’t be edited. This also prevents any formatting issues that come with Microsoft Word, since older versions are sometimes incompatible with the newer formatting
• Number each page with your last name in the header or footer (like “Smith 1”)
• Pay extra attention to any word limits, as you won’t be cut off automatically, unlike with most text boxes..."

Edited November 1, 2022 by Lori D.