.8 and .9 Margins

ALAMAROB

Hello!

For schools that do not specify that they would like 1.0 margins all around, and just specify a font size and page limit for the PS and résumé, are .8 or .9 margins generally ok?

Thanks!

studyingandrestudying

You might want to ask each school to be sure.

Selene Steelman

First of all, always follow the specific school's instructions. If they are silent to exact margins, please keep in mind that when the admissions reader is reviewing your essays, they will be scrolling through a big PDF file with your eapp, resume, and any other writing you submit. You want to make sure that the margins do not make it difficult for them to read your work on a computer screen. While the difference between 1.0 and .9 margins is minimal (no one is going to take a ruler to their computer), there is a visible difference between 1.0 and say .75. Don't do anything that might encourage the reader to either stop reading or just scroll faster and skim. You will be missing an opportunity to sell your candidacy.