Been trying to decide if I should focus more on MLA, APA, or some other style for my citation mastering. Out of curiosity, what's the most common formatting used in college?
The formatting style you'll need to use in college can largely depend on your field of study. APA (American Psychological Association) style is typically used in the social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, and education, as well as nursing.
On the other hand, MLA (Modern Language Association) format is commonly used in the humanities, particularly in English and literature classes. If you were studying literature or writing, you'd likely see MLA as the standard.
Chicago style, another commonly used citation style, is often used in history, humanities, and some social sciences.
Therefore, rather than focusing on mastering one particular citation style right now, it may be more beneficial to have a basic understanding of several of them. You'll likely get detailed instructions in your classes on which format to use and how to use it. Plus, there are many resources available, including university writing centers and online writing labs, that can provide guidance when you're new to a particular citation style.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.