List identifying information. This is important to ensure proper credit for your essay. Include your name, date, name of class and instructor. If there are no formatting rules to the contrary, make this information boldface, so it will stand out.
Write a catchy title that accurately describes your subject. State the premise of the essay, but make it interesting. Use active, descriptive language to engage the reader. Keep your title no longer than 10 words. If you must say more, add a smaller subtitle directly underneath. Test your title ideas on a couple of friends or colleagues. If they can't easily identify what the paper is about from the title, draft a new one.
Compose a test cover to ensure proper placement of page elements. If you're using a computer, the cover page might look different when it's printed than it does on the screen. A test page will confirm that the components are in place; if not, move things around before you print the entire essay. If you're writing your essay by hand, you can still benefit from seeing a test page; you may want to change the placement of information according to what looks best.