Hey guys! I'm currently in my junior year and I'm taking a couple of AP classes. My teachers all seem to use different citation methods and it's a bit confusing. Can anyone let me know which citation method is most commonly used in high school? I want to make sure I'm proficient with the right one for my research papers.
Typically, the citation method used in high school depends on the subject of your class. However, MLA (Modern Language Association) style is commonly used in high schools, particularly within humanities subjects like English, literature, art, music, philosophy, and religion. This citation style helps students learn how to cite sources such as books, websites, interviews, and more, and guides them to structure their papers correctly.
That being said, it's crucial to note that other disciplines may require different citation styles. For instance, APA (American Psychological Association) style is widely used in social sciences, including psychology, sociology, and economics, while Chicago style is often favored in history classes.
Furthermore, in some AP classes, like AP Seminar and AP Research, you could encounter a wider variety of citation styles because these classes aim to prepare you for college-level research, where different majors use different citation styles more strictly.
Ultimately, the citation style you should be most proficient in depends on what classes you're taking and potentially the major you're planning to pursue in college. But being familiar with MLA, APA, and Chicago styles can certainly give you a great headstart.
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