I'm an incoming freshman trying to prep for the year ahead. What's the most common citation format used in college? Is it APA, MLA, or something else entirely?
The citation style you'll use most frequently in college really depends on your major and the specific classes you're taking. However, I can share some general trends.
MLA (Modern Language Association) formatting is commonly used for essays in the humanities, such as English, languages, and history. It emphasizes the author and page number of the source. By contrast, APA (American Psychological Association) citation style is often preferred in the social sciences, including psychology, education, and business. APA highlights the author and date of publication.
Chicago/Turabian style is a bit less common but does come into play in certain courses. This style is usually used in history and some of the fine arts.
Regardless, professors typically specify which citation style they want you to use for your papers. I suggest familiarizing yourself with all three formats, but remember that your professors will likely provide further instruction on citation styles in their syllabus or assignments. I'd also recommend making use of citation tools and guides to assist you, as these can be a big help! In particular, Purdue's Online Writing Lab (OWL) has very comprehensive and easy-to-understand guides on MLA, APA, and Chicago citation styles.
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