I went with..
12 Pt Times new Roman
1.0inch margins
Single Spaced
Extra line separating paragraphs.
I'm not an expert,but I think double spaced shouldn't be used. This is usually only used to serve a better purpose for writing comments went editing an essay.
Don't contact them, that would be foolish. They obviously noticed that you are attending their institution, and are most likely expecting to use the outcome of those grades as criteria for your admission.
If they don't accept you, than maybe you should give them a ring.
If an award is worth mentioning, do it! Just don't list awards, explain the role and significance of the award in your career interests.
For example, I have a prestigious fellowship. I definitely mentioned the hard work I had to do to achieve said award, and how it represents my preparation and interests to attend graduate school. gl.
graduate admissions offices know that professors will submit LORs late. That is why they don't review applications until weeks after you submit, so that everything is in order. Let us not bug the writers or worry, they said they will write and they will.
Masters programs. You can get into any as long as you bring the money with you.
Now trying to get money to pay for a Masters education is going to difficult, just keep that in mind.
I am looking at biophysics to better understand the protein/structure relationships at the basis of disease. pretty excited. not a physicist or mathematician but I can do it says my research experience.
if you presented at a national conference, definitely mention. if you will present at a national conference, definitely mention. if you just visited, mention how this was an inspiring experience.
consider that everyone with lots of honors and awards won't have this on their CV.
If you are trying to fit every award you have ever gotten, than this looks kinda funny at the end of the list. It would be better to list your top 4-6 honors and awards, and add 'Dean's list' to fill in if you don't many awards.
Being an author, co-author is in no way a pre-requesite for graduate school. The expectation is that you don't know anything.
BUT, in the past 10 years, graduate admissions have begun to expect that applicants have some type of undergraduate 'research' training. They want applicants to be exposed to research, so that applicants know what they are getting themselves into.
So do you need to be a co-author on published work? No. Do you need to be actively seeking Research bench experience (not work internship) with advisors at your educational institution? Yes. Your prospective advisor's letter of rec about your research experience in his/her lab is the most valuable part of your application packet.