First things first:
- Familiarize yourself early with the specific requirements for your paper.
- Allow sufficient time for proofreading, printing, and submission.
- Consistent formatting is half the battle.
Even the most engaging and well-researched paper can score poorly if it doesn’t adhere to your university’s guidelines. In the worst-case scenario, it might not be accepted at all. Always prioritize the requirements provided by your instructors or institution over any general advice found online.
The following points should definitely be taken into account. Quick tip: If you want to select the entire text—for example, to standardize the font size—use the shortcut Ctrl + A in Word.
Formatting
1. Page Breaks
Few things are more frustrating than discovering after binding that blank pages have crept into the text or that headings are stuck at the bottom of a page.
Tip: Perform a test print at home, compare it with the document, and make adjustments if necessary.
2. Margins
The margins should be consistent throughout the entire paper. Standard measurements are 2–2.5 cm at the top and bottom, 3 cm on the left, and 2.5 cm on the right. Law students, in particular, should be cautious, as a correction margin of around 6 cm is often required. Ignoring margin guidelines can result in significant point deductions, especially for assignments with a specified page limit. Some students may try to gain an unfair advantage by altering margin settings to increase the writing area.
3. Page Numbers
Errors in page numbering can be frustrating as well. Page numbers do not belong on the title page or in the top or bottom left corners of the document. Otherwise, ensure the format is correct, the numbering is sequential, and any specific requirements from instructors or the university are followed.
4. Length
The maximum or minimum page/character count must be observed, even during the final stages of editing. Deviations of up to 10% are usually acceptable, but larger discrepancies will inevitably result in point deductions. If you’re slightly under the required length, consider cutting unnecessary filler words or adding an introduction and conclusion for each chapter to meet the page count.
5. Font and Line Spacing
The font type, size, and line spacing should be consistent throughout the document. Common settings include Times New Roman or Arial in size 12, with footnotes typically in size 10, and a line spacing of 1.5.
6. Citation style
An academic paper is characterized by thorough research and the correct, consistent use of citations. The preferred citation styles vary, with Harvard, APA, and the German citation style being the most common.
Key point to consider: Should citations appear in the text or only in footnotes? In some disciplines, direct quotes should also be used sparingly.
7. Spelling and Grammar
Spelling and grammar mistakes often indicate that students ran out of time during the editing process. It’s best to have a family member or friend proofread the document, as it’s easy to overlook minor errors when reviewing your own work.
Content
8. Completeness
Especially when working with multiple versions, it’s crucial to double-check before submission that the final version includes all chapters and that no points are repeated.
9. Table of Contents and Bibliography
The headings in the table of contents must match those in the text. Additionally, each section (e.g., 1.1) must be followed by at least one other section on the same hierarchical level (e.g., 1.2). Pay attention to the correct page numbers, especially after making final edits. Using an automatic table of contents simplifies the process — just update it at the end to ensure all entries are accurate.
The bibliography should also be checked for completeness and proper formatting (e.g., alphabetical order), as incorrect entries can result in significant point deductions. Tools like the Word Reference Manager or software such as Citavi can be helpful; make sure to update them before submission.
10. Figures and Tables
In the case of figures and tables, it should be checked that they are mentioned in the text and that the labels are correct and chronological . If necessary, care should be taken to ensure that the quality is sufficient for printing and that the page numbers of the associated directories are correct.
11. References
It’s also important to ensure that all references in the paper are properly formatted. Use the search function (Ctrl + F) to look for terms like “reference not found” or “error” and correct them accordingly.
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Administrative Requirements
12. Title Page
Your university may provide a template for the title page, which should be used if available. Additionally, any specific instructions from your instructors must be followed. The title page should always include the following:
- Name of the university
- Field of study and semester
- Topic
- Name and, if applicable, contact details
- Student ID number
- Names of the examiners/instructors
- Submission date
13. Copies
How many copies need to be submitted? Do you require a printed version? Are there specific binding requirements? In what file format should the paper be sent to the instructors? Should it be submitted via email or through learning platforms like Moodle? Instructors typically provide their own guidelines for these details. Make sure to allocate enough time for printing and binding, even though copy shops usually take no more than 30 minutes.
14. Submission Time
What time is the paper due? Common deadlines are either 12:00 PM or 11:59 PM. Be sure to consider the office hours of the administrative office or examination department, as well as the implications of submitting on weekends or public holidays.
15. Affidavit and Signature
No matter how outstanding the content is, without a signed affidavit, it will unfortunately be considered invalid. Usually, the affidavit must be included within the paper, but sometimes it is required as a separate document.
16. Additional Forms
Are there any additional forms required? For instance, individuals interviewed as part of the research must provide a signed consent form. Make sure to check that all points outlined in the consent form have been followed, such as properly anonymizing data where necessary.
It’s best to familiarize yourself with the points mentioned early on and take them into account throughout the writing process. If you’ve conducted thorough research, presented your findings clearly, and worked through our checklist, there should be nothing standing in the way of earning a great grade in the future.
Literature:
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