In education, individuals will have to become familiar with the American Psychological Association (APA) standards to write academic papers. This can definitely present a challenge because when individuals start out in college they are interested to Modern Language Association (MLA). There are three APA standards that individuals should know to be successful in any academic program in which requires APA formatting. These three standards are the following: 1. Include a Title Page: There should be a title page for every academic paper submitted. When including a title page, individuals need to include their name, course title, and course number, date, professor name, and name of the educational institution. Not to mention, there should be a running head included as well. Depending on the institution, a page number may be required on the title page, but most do not require it. The page number on the title page must be hidden. 2. Include References : With any academic paper, individuals should include references. Most online courses will have resources available to help with formatting, but it is the student's responsibility to utilize these resources. Last but not least, individuals should make sure that all references are listed on a separate page at the end of the assignment. 3. Cite References within the Text: If individuals are using references, then there should be evidence within the text to show that these references have been used. Instructors will look to see if both in-text citations and references are used in all academic assignments. In-text citations are used when individuals cite someone else's work. They should be written as the following: (author's last name, year) or (author's last name, year, page number). After these in-text citations have been written, individuals need to fully explain the significance of the quote. 4. Place Appendix Items in the Correct Place: If individuals are using appendix items, then these should go directly after the reference page. In other words, if there is extra information such as an outline or resources, then these items should be labeled as an appendix These are the most common APA standards in which individuals lose points on their assignment. Therefore, it would be in one's best interest to take some time out and learn these three APA standards.