Universal requirements
- 1-inch margins on all sides
- Double-spaced body text
- 12-point standard font (Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri)
- Page numbers (usually top-right or bottom-center)
Style-specific requirements
APA (sciences, social sciences)
- Title page with author, institution, date
- Abstract (150–250 words)
- Double-spaced throughout
- References page titled "References"
Chicago (humanities, history)
- Title page separate from body
- Footnotes or endnotes for citations
- Bibliography at end
- No page number on title page
Common formatting mistakes
- Inconsistent margins or spacing
- Widening margins to make short work look longer
- Mixing citation styles
- Incorrect heading hierarchy
Check your program's guidelines: Many institutions have specific formatting requirements beyond the style guide. Your graduate office usually provides a template.
Formatting confusion?
Our editors handle all formatting requirements and final submission standards.