Writing a college paper isn’t just about strong arguments and good sources – it also starts with correct formatting. One of the most common requirements is knowing how to head a college paper properly. In short:
👉 To head a college paper, place your name, instructor’s name, course, and date in the top left corner (MLA), or use a running head with page number on every page (APA).
If you have no idea how to head a college paper, this guide will clarify the process.
This guide walks you through MLA, APA, and Chicago formats, shows examples, and provides a checklist to make sure your paper is ready to submit.
Why the Heading Matters
A proper heading in academic writing is more than just formalities – it:
- Identifies your work clearly for your professor.
- Shows attention to detail and academic discipline.
- Makes your paper look professional and easier to grade.
- Prevents confusion if your pages get separated or mixed.
- Emphasizes the point that a proper heading is a key aspect of academic writing.
Even if you can pay to write essay online, professors often expect students to master these details themselves, since formatting is part of academic discipline.
The way you present your paper, starting with the heading, reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
Think of it as your paper’s “ID card.” Without it, even the best essay can look unfinished.
General College Paper Heading Rules
Before diving into specific styles, follow these universal formatting guidelines:
- Font and Size: Use Times New Roman or Arial, size 12.
- Margins: Set the margin to one inch on all sides, as required by most specific formats like MLA, APA, or Chicago style.
- Spacing: Double-spaced, which means leaving blank lines between each line of text.
- Page Numbers: Always included, usually top right, following the placement of lines as specified by the required format.
- Title vs. Header: The title of your essay is centered on its own line, while the header (your name, class, etc.) is aligned as required by the specific format or style guide.
Always follow the specific format required by your instructor or institution to ensure consistency and proper grading.
MLA Format Header
MLA (Modern Language Association) style is commonly used for essays in the humanities.
MLA Header Formula:
- Top left (first page only): Each element – Student’s Name, Instructor Name, Course Name/Code, Date – should be placed on its own line.
- Top right (all pages): Last Name + Page Number.
Example (first page):
John Smith
Instructor Name: Professor Adams
Course: ENG 101
Date: 20 August 2025
The Role of Social Media in Modern Politics
Note: According to MLA style, use quotation marks for titles of shorter works (such as articles, poems, or short stories) within your essay. If you are unsure, guides on how to quote a poem in MLA format can help you avoid mistakes.
Every page after the first should include: “
Smith 2”
in the top-right corner.
APA Format Header
APA (American Psychological Association) style is commonly used for research papers and theses in psychology, education, and social sciences. APA style requires a specific page header on every page, which includes a running head aligned to the left margin and a page number on the right. The running head and page number should be created using the header function in your word processor. APA provides templates to help you format your paper correctly according to its guidelines.
APA Header Formula:
- Title page (centered, double-spaced, each element on its own line): Title, Author’s Name, Department, School, Course Number, Instructor Name, Due Date.
- Running head: Shortened version of title (ALL CAPS) in top left margin.
- Page number in top right on every page (all pages should be numbered consecutively).
Example (student paper title page):
The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
John Smith
Department of Psychology University of Chicago
PSY 101
Dr. Jane Doe
March 15, 2024
Running head example (top of page):
RUNNING HEAD: SOCIAL MEDIA 1
Student Papers vs. Professional Papers in APA Style:
Student papers are typically submitted for coursework and include the title, author name, department, school, course number, instructor name, and due date, all centered and each on its own line. Professional papers, intended for publication, also include an author note placed in the bottom half of the title page, as well as the department and institutional affiliation. The author note provides information such as ORCID iD, disclosures, acknowledgments, and contact details.
Abstract Section:
The abstract should begin on a new page with the word “Abstract” centered at the top. The abstract provides a concise summary of the research, including research questions, methods, results, and implications.
References Section:
A references section should be included at the end of the paper, listing all sources cited in the text, formatted according to APA guidelines.
Paragraphs and Formatting:
Paragraphs should be clearly structured, with the first line of each paragraph indented. Use double line spacing throughout the paper. Properly formatted paragraphs and clear section headings improve readability and organization.
Citation Style:
Always use the correct citation style as required by your instructor or discipline (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
Templates:
Using an APA template in your word processor can help you create a properly formatted paper, including correct margins, spacing, and headings.
Chicago & Other Styles
Chicago style is often used in history and some social sciences. For most academic papers, Chicago style requires title pages that are clearly written and properly formatted, including full details.
- Title Page Elements: Title, Student’s Name, Course, Instructor, Date.
- Page numbers: Top right on all pages after the title page.
If you are unsure about the specific requirements for title pages in your papers, consult your instructor or the official style guide.
Some professors may also ask for custom headers, so always check your assignment instructions.
Header vs Heading: What’s the Difference?
- Header: The technical details (name, course, date, page numbers).
- Heading: The section titles inside your essay (e.g., Introduction, Methodology). Headings help organize paragraphs within academic papers, making it easier to distinguish different sections and improve readability.
Mixing them up can cause formatting errors, so keep them separate.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Head a College Paper
- At the beginning of your document, open a blank page and set 1-inch margins.
- Choose a readable font (Times New Roman, 12pt).
- Insert page numbers (top right by default).
- Apply MLA or APA header rules depending on your course.
- Double-check spelling, formatting, and order of information.
- Don’t forget any required formatting elements, such as page numbers or headers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Forgetting page numbers.
❌ Using bold or italics in the header (not required).
❌ Mixing up APA and MLA rules – using the wrong citation style for your academic papers is a common mistake.
❌ Placing the title inside the header.
❌ Wrong order of information (date before course, etc.).
❌ Not checking with your instructors for any specific formatting or citation style requirements.
Pro Tip from writing experts: Instructors often deduct points for formatting mistakes – even minor ones like incorrect headers. According to the University of Nevada, Reno Writing & Speaking Center, it’s crucial to “double check everything: proper names, citations, punctuation, page numbers, header/footer material, fonts” when proofreading your paper.
Checklist Before Submitting
✅ Correct style (MLA, APA, or Chicago).
✅ Name, course, and date spelled correctly.
✅ Page numbers in correct position.
✅ Title is separate from the header.
✅ Formatting matches professor’s instructions.
MLA vs APA vs Chicago Header Comparison
| Style | Header Elements | Position | Example |
| MLA | Name, Instructor, Course, Date, Paper Title, Last Name/Page | Left (first page) + Top right (all pages) | John Smith, ENG 101, 20 Aug 2025 |
| APA | Running head (short title), Page number, Paper Title (on title page), Title page with full info | Left/right headers + Centered title page | RUNNING HEAD: SOCIAL MEDIA, p.1 |
| Chicago | Title Page with Paper Title, Student, Course, Date, Page numbers | Title page + Top right (after) | The Impact of AI on Education (Title page) |
FAQs
What is the correct heading for a college paper?
In MLA, write your name, instructor, course, and date in the top left. In APA, use a running head and page number.
How do you head a paper in MLA format?
Top left: name, professor, course, date. Top right: last name + page number on every page.
How do you head research papers in APA style?
Include page number top right and running head top left. Title page: title, name, and institution.
How should I structure paragraphs in a college paper?
Indent the first line, use topic sentences, and support each point with evidence.
What is the correct line spacing?
Most papers require double-spacing throughout, including headings and references.
What’s the difference between a header and heading?
A header = technical details (name, course, date, page numbers). A heading = section titles inside the essay.
Should the title be in the header?
No. The title is centered separately, not part of the header.
Do college papers need a title page?
MLA usually doesn’t. APA and Chicago almost always require one.
Is MLA header the same as MLA heading?
No. The header is student/course info; a heading is for essay sections.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to head a college paper is an easy win for students—it takes only a few minutes but signals professionalism and respect for academic standards. Whether your class uses MLA, APA, or Chicago style, following the correct header format will make your work look polished and credible. And for students juggling multiple tasks, from lab reports to MBA assignments, sometimes turning to a reliable MBA assignment writing service can save time while keeping academic standards intact.
Sources
Modern Language Association. (2021). MLA Style Center. Modern Language Association.
https://style.mla.org/
American Psychological Association. (2020). Paper format. APA Style.
https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format
The University of Chicago. (2017). The Chicago Manual of Style Online. University of Chicago Press.
https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Writing Center. (n.d.). Academic writing resources. UNC Writing Center.
https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/
