<p>I've looked at my Common App essay on print preview and it completely screwed up my italics. Instead of italicizing the words, it just makes them a bigger font. Is there any way I can fix this? I feel like italics are essential to my essay, but I don't want it to be a distraction.</p>
<p>The formatting problem is a real issue. It’s not something you are doing wrong and it probably can’t be fixed.</p>
<p>So should I scrap the italics?</p>
<p>Up to you. What you see is what the adcoms see. They understand the limitations of the format and won’t hold it against you, but italics are meant to enhance understanding, not provide a distraction. Look at it as if you were a stranger reading it and decide for yourself whether the italics help more than they hurt.</p>
<p>I would suggest to remove the italics if it is a source of distraction.</p>