College Essay Format
It is good to have detailed instructions when you are not sure how to cope with a task. When there is a specific algorithm of actions, you can count on reaching the desired results faster. At the same time, the presence of any algorithm deprives you of inventing a completely new approach. It is a limitation in some way. People value the creative approach and out-of-box thinking nowadays. Many employers are looking for candidates who can find non-trivial solutions to the well-known challenges of modern business models. College is the perfect environment to improve your creativity in many ways. Writing assignments have this very goal as well. Even though a college essay has a list of specific requirements in terms of formatting, you still get the chance to demonstrate your creativity.
When we talk about a college essay format, it is worth mentioning that every school establishes its own set of rules. You will be asked to write essays using one of the popular formats – APA, MLA, Chicago, etc. These formatting instructions include guidelines as to the size and type of font you need to use, spacing, etc. When you are a freshman, it might be difficult to get accustomed to all these requirements. Nonetheless, you will learn most of them by heart during the years in college. If you wonder how to format a college essay, it is better to download a formatting handbook not to miss some of the important details. The formatting issues should not stand in the way of your creative approach. You may use the freewriting technique to get inspiration. Just make sure you have enough time to proofread and edit your piece before the deadline. You can always change the font and other details after you’ve finished writing. The important tip is to pay close attention to the format of references you make. You will see that there are many tricky parts there. Even a misplaced comma makes a huge difference.
When Formatting Really Matters
You might think that the instructions you should follow every time you write something for your teachers are just an extra pressure for you. All in all, the content you create matters, but not the font and spacing you use. It is true to some extent but these universal guidelines make it easier for teachers to evaluate the work of students. They also keep you organized and show your dedication to the assignments you cope with during the years of studying. Furthermore, there is one type of essay that matters more than any other literary piece you write during your studies. It is the challenge of following all the guidelines of a college application essay format. You want every comma and every paragraph to look exactly the way the committee wants. Every little detail matters.
Usually, you will have a list of technical instructions for every educational institution you are going to apply to because they are easy to find. Nonetheless, you might still have a selection of questions about the content itself. What do you need to mention to impress the committee? How to make the points you are going to describe outstanding and appealing? It is not an easy task. You need to clearly understand the motivation behind every paragraph you write. Where does that strong desire to become a part of this particular school come from? Once you know that, it will be easy to structure the information.
Do not forget that your goal is not only to explain why you’ve chosen this school but also to list your personal and professional qualities that correlate with the school’s values. The committee should be able to understand that it is a perfect match between you as a student and the college you are applying to. Generally, you will still need to use the 5-paragraph structure unless you want to be extremely creative and come up with something extraordinary to make your essay memorable. Think carefully about the beginning. Do you want to open up with a question or quote? Or maybe you are looking for a way to put your readers in medias res? Make sure the hook you choose becomes a harmonious part of the rest of your piece. And if you need our assistance during the process, do not hesitate to contact our experienced writers.