Top Tips for Formatting Academic Papers to Impress Your Professors

Say you have just spent a couple if not several, grueling years working on your dissertation or thesis. You have researched, poured so much love into a topic you wholeheartedly believe in, and even cried a tear or two from frustration. 

Now, it is time to submit said labor of love, and you will receive a lackluster, less than enthusiastic response. Sounds like an absolute nightmare, doesn’t it? This doesn’t have to be your story if you make sure you do some extra things like the ones we are about to dive deep into.

1. Pay Attention to Margins and Spacing

Whether you realize it or not, margin size can greatly affect the visual aspect of your paper. Stick with the “one-inch” rule; one-inch margins will make your document appear neat, organized, and visually appealing.

Additionally, double-spacing your content will make the paper look better and easier to read. This will give your grader space for notes. Most of the time, it’s the simple details that give your paper polish.

2. Use a Consistent Font and Size

The font of choice can change the way your paper appears. Go for easily legible fonts, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, in size 12. If you must, use italics or bolding, but only sparingly.

By maintaining a clean, clear font appearance, your paper will appear more polished and well thought out.

3. Nail the Header and Title Page

Even if they are not as conspicuous, headers play a pretty big role in presenting an academic paper. Provide your name, paper title, and page numbers in the header if preferred by specific regulations.

It’s important that you follow the guidelines exactly as they are given. The formatting of your title page sets the tone for the entire paper and leaves an impression.

4. Master Your Citations and References

Sloppy citation formatting is an easy way to lose points on an assignment. Make sure you’re familiar with and follow the corresponding guidelines of your writing format for in-text citations and full references.

Citation tools can be helpful but are not always 100% accurate, so re-check all entries. Accurate citations communicate preparedness on your part and provide added protection against unintentional plagiarism.

5. Structure Your Sections with Headings

a student formatting academic paper

In addition to bolding and title capitalization to format individual headers, you’ll need to use a clear and organized hierarchy for your sections. Subheaders should be formatted separately from main headings.

For example, the primary sections of the paper (Introduction, Methodology, Conclusion, etc.) should be formatted using bolding and title capitalization. Then, use italics and capitalization smaller headings.

6. Keep Tables and Figures Tidy

Tables and figures can give that extra edge to your paper when done right. Just make sure you have clear titles and labels and refer to them in your text. Avoid over-complicating the design; keep it neat and professional. A well-presented table or figure can be the cherry on top of the cake for your paper.

7. Proofread for Formatting Errors

There’s nothing more depressing than writing a perfectly researched paper and finding out your grade deduction is due to the inconsistency of your formatting. Check for misaligned text, line spacing, or margin widths.

Always review your paper before submitting – to avoid missing easy marks. Even better, ask for help. Have a peer look at it for you. It takes fresh eyes to catch hidden mistakes.

8. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Formatting doesn’t have to send you screaming up a wall. Use the Styles feature on Microsoft Word or the Line Spacing and Margins settings on Google Docs. However, why settle for less when you can have more?

BachelorPrint has an online binding previewer, allowing you to see what your paper will look like before you pay money that includes free express shipping. It takes the best to create the best.

9. Leverage White Space for Impact

Use margins, spacing and breaks to help guide the reader through the paper. An article or paper with a lot of text and no space is a nightmare, but if formatted perfectly, they will spend more time reading the content.

10. Don’t Skimp on the Final Touches

Make sure your paper looks professional with printing and binding you can be proud of. With binding specifically for research papers, BachelorPrint won’t let you down. Reliable Express shipping and the highest quality printable paper that is bound specifically for academic papers are other benefits of using this printing service.

Let Your Paper Speak Before You Do

Your perfectly formatted paper shows your professors you are diligent and detail-oriented about your studies. It brings a lasting impression and a good one at that. If you have worked hard, your work deserves to be seen in the best light.

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