From your experience, how important is it to conform to each of the school's format provided that my own is legible and conveys what I want?

I'm wondering about this because I debate whether it's better to "appear you've done your homework" versus offering a different presentation style.

Also, sorry to bring up an age-old question, but do you include months in the date sections on the resume? I often find that it's much easier to read with years alone, but I also hear that it "implies" you have something to hide by leaving out months.

What's your take on this?