[NSF GRFP 2012-2013]

Hey everyone. I have a question about the research proposal essay. The prompt asks for the essay to be given in a particular format:

Format: Introduction and problem statement, hypothesis, methods to test hypothesis, anticipated results or findings, expected significance and broader impacts, and a short list of important literature citations.

Is this strict or more of a guideline? In looking over past essays posted online, many have particular sections titled: title, keyword, hypothesis, introduction, etc... As I am writing it now, though, I am including all of these elements but it is not in this strict format, and I have no section titles. I should also mention that I work in theoretical computer science, so my project proposal is not an experiment.

I appreciate any thoughts on this!