<p>I must submit my common application tonight. Is there an official or unofficial essay format? I have a header (my name, personal essay, fall 2009 applicant), a title, 1" margins top and bottom and 1.25" margins left and right. Maybe I'm over-analyzing this, but I don't want to find out I did something wrong after I've already submitted it.</p>
<p>No official format unless the school you are applying to specifically mentions it in their requirements. I recommend a standard format, like 1" margins and double-spaced. I also recommend you put your name on top, and have a title, which it seems like you have.</p>