With Cell A2 active, Format, Conditional Formatting, FormulaIs:
=COUNTIF($A$2:$A2,A2)3 - Select Pattern Color, OK Out
Paint A2 to A3:A1000

Should be fine

" wrote:

I am keeping a spreadsheet that lists applications for free funding.
Applicants are only allowed free funding on 3 occasions. So, if an
applicant applies for a fourth time I would like the text in the cell
for the new application to change to a different colour. Column A is
where I enter the name of the applicant who is applying and its this
column I would like the formatting on. Is this something I could do
with conditional formatting, if so Id appreciate your help?
Thanks

Thomas