Guide to choosing between APA and MLA citation styles for academic writing in US colleges.
APA vs. MLA: Which Citation Style to Use for US Colleges
Navigating the world of academic writing in U.S. colleges can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to citation styles. Among the myriad of formatting guidelines, two stand out as the most prevalent: APA and MLA. Understanding the key differences between them and knowing which one to use for your specific field of study is crucial for academic success. This comprehensive guide will demystify these two citation styles, helping you to confidently format your papers and properly credit your sources.
Understanding the Basics: What Are APA and MLA?
APA (American Psychological Association) and MLA (Modern Language Association) are two distinct systems for formatting academic papers and citing sources. [5] While both aim to ensure clarity and prevent plagiarism, they are designed for different academic disciplines. [8, 10]
APA Style, detailed in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, is the standard for the social sciences. [23] This includes fields like psychology, sociology, education, criminology, and business. [23, 22] Its emphasis is on the timeliness of research, which is why the publication date is a prominent feature in its citations. [6]
MLA Style, on the other hand, is the preferred format for the humanities. [1] This encompasses disciplines such as literature, languages, philosophy, and the arts. [12, 28] MLA focuses on the author and the specific location of the information within the source, making page numbers a key component of its in-text citations. [7]
Key Differences at a Glance
While there are many subtle distinctions, the primary differences between APA and MLA can be found in the formatting of the paper, in-text citations, and the final list of sources. [7]
| Feature | APA Style | MLA Style |
|---|---|---|
| Discipline | Social sciences (psychology, education, business) [23] | Humanities (literature, arts, languages) [28] |
| Title Page | Requires a separate title page [7] | No title page; information is in the header of the first page [3] |
| In-Text Citation | (Author, Year, p. #) [6] | (Author Page #) [7] |
| Source List Title | References [8] | Works Cited [8] |
| Author's Name in Source List | Last Name, First Initial. [6] | Last Name, First Name. [9] |
| Title Capitalization in Source List | Sentence case for article and book titles [6] | Title case for all titles [6] |
In-Depth Comparison
Let's delve deeper into the specific formatting requirements for each style.
Paper Formatting
APA:
* Title Page: An APA paper requires a dedicated title page that includes the paper's title, the author's name, institutional affiliation, course number and name, instructor's name, and the assignment's due date. [19]
* Running Head: A running head, a shortened version of the paper's title in all caps, appears in the header of every page for professional papers, though student papers often only require the page number. [19]
* Abstract: A brief summary of the paper, known as an abstract, is often required and appears on a separate page after the title page. [11]
MLA:
* Header: MLA style does not typically require a title page. [3] Instead, the first page includes a header in the upper left-hand corner with the author's name, the instructor's name, the course, and the date. [4]
* Title: The title of the paper is centered below the header on the first page. [4]
* Running Head: A running head in MLA format consists of the author's last name and the page number in the upper right-hand corner of every page. [3]
In-Text Citations
APA:
The author-date system is the hallmark of APA in-text citations. [5] This format emphasizes the recency of the research.
- Paraphrasing: (Author, Year)
- Direct Quote: (Author, Year, p. #) [15]
MLA:
MLA uses an author-page citation system, which directs the reader to the precise location of the information in the source. [7]
- Paraphrasing or Direct Quote: (Author Page) [3]
The Source List
The final page of your paper, where you list all your sources, also has distinct differences.
APA:
* Title: The list is titled "References" and is centered at the top of the page. [8]
* Author's Name: The author's last name is followed by their first initial. [6]
* Publication Date: The year of publication is placed in parentheses immediately after the author's name. [8]
* Title Capitalization: For book and article titles, only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized (sentence case). [6]
MLA:
* Title: The list is titled "Works Cited" and is centered at the top of the page. [8]
* Author's Name: The author's full first and last name are used. [9]
* Publication Date: The publication date appears near the end of the citation. [8]
* Title Capitalization: All major words in the title are capitalized (title case). [6]
Which Style Should You Use?
The most straightforward way to determine which citation style to use is to follow the instructions provided by your professor or department. [7] They will almost always specify the required format in the assignment guidelines or syllabus. [26] If no style is specified, the general rule of thumb is to use:
APA
for the social sciences. [22]MLA
for the humanities. [22]
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Whether you need assistance with a complex research paper or simply want to ensure your citations are flawless, EverEssay is here to help. Explore our U.S. essay writing services to learn more about how we can support your academic journey. For a comprehensive overview of APA guidelines, our APA format guide is an invaluable resource. Similarly, our MLA format guide provides detailed information on MLA styling.
Choosing the correct citation style is a fundamental aspect of academic writing in U.S. colleges. By understanding the core principles of APA and MLA, you can present your research in a clear, professional, and credible manner. And when you need expert assistance, EverEssay is your dedicated partner in achieving academic success.