Do you need to use MLA format for essays in college? Is a title required or suggested?

Question

I'm writing my first essay for a college class. In highschool we were always taught to use MLA format and give essays a title. We were also taught the five paragraph structure though, which clearly does not carry over into college. Should the MLA format be dropped too? Will it matter to a professor if I use that format with double spacing and a title and everything or if I just jump right into the introduction paragraph? My essay is due today and I am finished writing it, I was about to hand it in when I realized I might need to add MLA format and a title and such first.

ibu guru · Answer

Certain departments, e.g. psychology, will require a specific format, e.g. for psych, APA (American Psychological Association) format typically required for papers. Otherwise, MLA is the most commonly preferred format. And of course any essay requires a title.

? · Answer

That's up to the teacher. You should have asked if the professor preferred MLA or APA and which APA format. The style book doesnt change between high school and college.

Sam Spayed · Answer

Usually if a particular format is required, the professor will specify it when giving you the assignment; however, it might be written on the syllabus, or even somewhere on the departmental policies.

Whether MLA is used depends on the class; while it's common for humanities, APA is typically used for the social sciences.

If it's an English class, I'd use MLA (unless another format is required; do check your syllabus and course description); even if it's not required, it can't hurt.

Anonymous · Answer

I had some professor that required it, and others that did not care one way or another.  It is best to always double check with each professor on what the format they would prefer.

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Do you need to use MLA format for essays in college? Is a title required or suggested?

4 Answers