How to write a paper in APA format is no big secret if you’re familiar with APA software. However, knowing how to write in APA format is a little more complicated than simply using APA software. When a student applies for college admission, it’s very common for the admissions officer to review their transcript and college application in order to make sure they understand how to write a paper in APA format. Even if you’re not applying to a college, it can be useful to know how to write in APA format. As a professor of statistics, I sometimes hand out copies of a how to write in APA format to my students before they start their assignments. Often times I get questions about what to write in this style of essay. The truth is, you don’t have to have a degree in statistics in order to write a good personal essay. If you’re creative and you use your statistical knowledge to paint a clear picture, you can come up with an interesting and well-structured personal essay. There are many tips on how to write a paper in APA format. One of these tips is to choose an APA formatting software that has tests included. You can purchase these formatting programs at any bookstore or online. Most of them will provide a test right in the beginning of the learning modules. The tests will determine what type of format you should use for your paper. You may be surprised at how much variety there is when it comes to how to write a paper in APA format. In addition to choosing a software program with tests, you should also make sure that you’re comfortable with the types of format that you’re using. You can use what’s called “abbreviated style” for a class assignment or research paper if you’re writing about a topic that is easily explained in a short amount of time. If you’re writing a more difficult document, such as a research report, you should use the “style with page numbering” format. There are also plenty of examples of how to write in APA format. You can go online and search for tutorials or books that use specific examples to help you get your point across. Keep in mind, though, that these examples may be out of date. If you’re looking for current advice, you’ll probably want to check out the information and resources section of the American Psychological Association website. There are several different parts of a paper in APA format that you should pay particular attention to. For example, most writers tend to use commas, periods, and parenthesis when they’re writing a descriptive essay. These marks are necessary for formatting purposes, but they can also make the essay sound drab. Instead, use a single-spaced period and make sure you fill it in whenever it’s called for. Most writing essays will include a discussion of some main idea or theme. However, be careful not to ramble. Remember, you want your point to be understood and you don’t want to sound like you’re repeating someone else’s argument. Be specific about what you’re discussing and be concise. Practice reading the newspaper, watching television programs, and other forms of media so that you can become familiar with writing conventions. This will help you know how to use your notes, point, and paragraphs in the right way. Learning how to write in APA format will take a little bit of work. It’s important that you read the suggestions and examples given above and then build on those concepts. Take your time and have fun! The hardest part is just typing in all those symbols! Once you get past this stage, you should have no trouble writing a paper in APA format.