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APA Formatting Checklist for Your Final Dissertation Submission

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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