The formatting of your MBA application essays is just as important as the content. Admission committees will likely read hundreds if not thousands of applications, so proper formatting helps ensure your essay stands out in a positive way and is easy to read. Here are some key tips on how to format your essays to make the best possible impression:
Use Standard Font and Size
Stick to a basic but readable font like Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial. Use a 12-point size as this is large enough to read easily on a computer screen without taking up too much space. Avoid flashy fonts, random font sizes, or unusual formatting that could distract from your content. Admission officers want to focus on what you have to say, not how creatively you formatted it.
Double Space your Essay
While single spacing saves paper, it makes the essay dense and difficult to read. Double spacing provides nice white space between paragraphs so the reader’s eyes don’t strain. It also gives space for notes or comments from admission officers as they review.
No More Than 1″ Margins
Margins that are too wide make the essay look sparse on the page. Stick to 1″ margins on all sides so your essay doesn’t look awkwardly spaced out. This standard formatting frame focuses attention on your content.
Include Your Name and Program
At the top of page one, left justify your full name, preferred name if different, email address, and name of the MBA program you’re applying to. This provides key applicant identification without taking up much space. You can also include your student, employee, or other identification number if the application requests it.
Paragraph Indentation
Indent the first line of each new paragraph using your word processor’s standard indentation, usually 0.5″. This visually separates paragraphs and makes the essay easy to read in blocks of text. Don’t use excessive or unusual indentations, but a half inch sets each new idea off nicely.
Number Your Essay Responses
If submitting multiple essays, clearly number each one at the top according to the application’s instructions. For example: “Essay 1: Discuss Your Career Goals and How an MBA Will Help Achieve Them.” This prevents any chance of essays getting mixed up or answered out of order.
Use Header/Footer for Page Numbers
Place a header or footer on each page no more than 0.5″ from the edge containing your last name followed by a space and the page number. For example: “Smith 1” on page one, “Smith 2” on page two, etc. This provides visual continuity across pages and easy reference if pages get separated.
No Word Counting Tricks
Some applicants try to increase type size, decrease margins or other formatting tricks to artificially increase their word count within limits. Admission officers know these tricks and it damages credibility. Especially if an essay reads much shorter, stick to the standard format and focus on quality over tricks to extend length. It’s better to be 250 words short than try and sneak in extra words deceptively.
Provide Space for Yourself
Leave at least one blank line in between each essay response if submitting multiple essays. This gives “breathing room” visually between your ideas and makes each response discrete. For lengthy essays, you can also leave an additional blank line between some paragraphs to break things into more digestible blocks of text.
Use Spell Check and Proofread Thoroughly
There is no excuse for typos or grammatical errors in your carefully crafted application essays. Allow enough time to thoroughly proofread, then run spell check and have at least one other person review it as well. Small errors stand out and undermine your presentation as a careful communicator. Catch any issues before submitting your final application version.
Provide High Quality Paper (if Physical Format Required)
If hard copies are required, use standard 8.5″ x 11″ white paper of at least 20 lb (photo) weight. This provides a nice sturdy surface to read without being too thin or flashy. Never use colored, patterned, or off-beat papers – your message should shine through subtlety. Staple or paperclip physical pages together neatly in the upper left corner. Apply these simple formatting tricks and your essays will stand out for all the right reasons. Communicate clearly through quality content while letting standard design and organization promote readability. Formatting is an important part of making a professional presentation to MBA admission committees.
In Summary
Standard fonts, double line spacing, 1″ margins, identifying information, indented paragraphs, numbered essay responses, headers/footers, spell checking, and quality paper (if hard copy required) are keys to effective MBA essay formatting. Avoid flashy designs, awkward spacing, or word count tricks that could undermine credibility. The goal is for your message and ideas alone to shine through – use formatting to support this, not distract from it. Proper structure and design guide readers through your thoughts in a coherent way. With content and formatting working together seamlessly, you maximize your essays’ persuasiveness and place the focus appropriately on your qualifications and fit for the program.