APA Student Paper Setup Overview
Preparing a student paper in APA style involves a series of precise formatting choices. Following these guidelines ensures that your work meets academic standards and presents your research clearly. The sections below summarize the most important requirements, drawn from the core flashcard content.
Margins and Page Layout
All sides of an APA student paper must have a margin of 1 inch. This uniform margin creates a clean border around the text and is required for the top, bottom, left, and right edges of every page.
Page numbers are placed in the top right corner of each page, including the title page. This consistent placement helps readers locate sections quickly.
Font and Text Appearance
APA style permits several acceptable fonts. The most common choices are:
- 12‑point Times New Roman
- 11‑point Georgia
These fonts provide readability and a professional appearance. Whichever font you select, maintain the same size throughout the entire document.
Line Spacing and Paragraph Indentation
All text in an APA student paper must be double spaced. This includes the main body, block quotations, and the reference list. Double spacing improves readability and allows space for instructor comments.
Each new paragraph should begin with an indentation of 0.5 inches. Indentation should be applied using the tab key or paragraph formatting tools, not by pressing the space bar.
Headings and Their Hierarchy
APA uses a five‑level heading system. The following details the formatting for Levels 1, 3, and 4, which are the most frequently encountered in student papers.
| Level | Alignment | Font Style | Punctuation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Centered | Bold, Title Case | No period |
| 3 | Flush left | Bold Italic, Title Case | No period |
| 4 | Indented like a paragraph | Bold, Title Case | Ends with a period |
Title Page Details
The title page includes both affiliation information and course information. The affiliation lists the department and university, while the course information provides the course number, name, and instructor. This distinction clarifies the institutional context of the paper.
Running Head
Student papers do not require a running head. This simplifies the header area and aligns with the APA recommendation for student manuscripts.
Tables, Figures, and Their Placement
Tables and figures are flexible in placement. They may appear at the bottom of the page where they are first referenced, at the top of the next page, or on a separate page dedicated to figures and tables. This flexibility allows authors to choose the most logical layout for their data.
Reference List
The reference list begins on a new page after the main text. Starting the list on its own page provides a clear separation between the body of the paper and the sources consulted.
Proofreading Strategies
One effective method for catching errors is to read the paper aloud slowly. Vocalizing the text helps identify awkward phrasing, missing words, and other issues that may be overlooked during silent reading.
Common Misconceptions
- Margins of 0.5 inch are incorrect; the correct margin is 1 inch on all sides.
- Using the space bar for paragraph indentation is not allowed; use the tab key or formatting settings instead.
- Student papers do not need a running head, contrary to some earlier APA editions.
- Tables and figures are not restricted to the bottom of the page; they can be placed in several locations as appropriate.
Summary Checklist
- Set 1‑inch margins on every side.
- Choose an acceptable font (12‑pt Times New Roman or 11‑pt Georgia).
- Apply double spacing throughout the document.
- Indent paragraphs 0.5 in using the tab key.
- Insert page numbers in the top right corner.
- Follow heading formatting rules for each level.
- Omit a running head for student papers.
- Place tables and figures where they best support the text.
- Start the reference list on a new page.
- Proofread by reading the paper aloud slowly.
