APA Formatting Checklist for Your Final Dissertation Submission
- Dr. Tiffanie James Parker
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
APA 7 Formatting Checklist for Your Final Dissertation Submission
Submitting your dissertation is a huge milestone, but many graduate students overlook the importance of APA 7 formatting during final preparation. Small formatting mistakes can lead to revision requests, delays, or point deductions. At Phoenix Blue Academic Editing Services, I ensure students submit polished, correctly formatted dissertations ready for committee approval. Use this APA 7 formatting checklist to catch common errors before submission.
1. Title Page Requirements
Your title page should include:
Title in bold, centered, and in title case
Your name
Institutional affiliation
Course name and number
Instructor’s name
Due date
Tip: Check your program’s specific requirements, as some institutions modify APA’s standard title page format.
2. Running Head and Page Numbers
APA 7 typically requires:
Page numbers in the top right corner on all pages
Running head only for professional papers, not most student papers
Tip: If your program requires a running head, it should be in all caps, aligned left, and under 50 characters.
3. Headings and Subheadings
APA 7 has a clear heading hierarchy:
Level 1: Centered, Bold, Title Case
Level 2: Left-Aligned, Bold, Title Case
Level 3: Left-Aligned, Bold Italic, Title Case
Level 4: Indented, Bold, Title Case, Period. Text begins on the same line.
Level 5: Indented, Bold Italic, Title Case, Period. Text begins on the same line.
Tip: Use headings consistently to improve readability and organization.
4. In-Text Citations
Double-check:
Correct author-date citation format
Proper use of et al. for sources with three or more authors
Punctuation and capitalization in citations
Tip: Even reference management tools can make mistakes; manually review citations before submission.
5. Reference List
Your reference list should:
Start on a new page with the heading "References," centered and bold
Be double-spaced throughout
Use a hanging indent for each entry
Follow APA 7 capitalization and italics rules for titles and journal names
Tip: Check for consistency between your in-text citations and reference list.
6. Tables and Figures
Ensure:
Each table and figure has a clear number and title
Notes are included below if necessary
Consistent font and formatting
Tip: Refer to Chapter 7 of the APA 7 manual for detailed guidance on presenting tables and figures correctly.
7. General Formatting Details
Check these details before submission:
1-inch margins on all sides
Acceptable fonts: 12-point Times New Roman, 11-point Arial, or 11-point Calibri
Double-spacing throughout (including references)
Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches
Tip: Consistency in these small details reflects professionalism.
APA 7 Formatting Checklist Summary
✅ Title page
✅ Page numbers and running head
✅ Correct headings
✅ Accurate in-text citations
✅ Properly formatted reference list
✅ Correctly presented tables and figures
✅ General formatting consistency
Using this checklist will help ensure your dissertation meets APA 7 guidelines, reducing your chances of revision requests and helping you submit your work confidently.
Need Help with APA 7 Formatting?
Even with a checklist, formatting your dissertation can feel overwhelming. At Phoenix Blue Academic Editing Services, I provide professional APA 7 formatting, proofreading, and editing services to help graduate students submit their best work.
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