If you’ve written an essay and are about to format the final touches, you may have found yourself asking a specific question: Should the date on an essay be the due date?, the last revision date?, or the completion date? While this might seem like a minor detail, the date on an essay can be significant.
The short answer is that the date on an essay should generally be the date of completion or submission. However, context and instructor requirements can sometimes alter this norm.
This article will explore common practices, established guidelines like MLA rules, and situational considerations to resolve this question with confidence.
Common Practices for Dating Essays
Completion or Submission Date
For most academic essays, the standard practice is to use the date the essay was completed or submitted. This shows the actual timestamp of when the work was finalized.
By using the completion or submission date, readers—including instructors and reviewers—can gauge the recency of the work and understand its timeline within the context of the assignment.
Sources such as Proofed.co.uk emphasize the importance of this approach for clarity, consistency, and professionalism in academic writing.
For essays submitted during a specific school term, the completion date also indicates that you worked on the assignment as intended, rather than arbitrarily backdating or anticipating early submission.
Why This Norm Matters
- Clarity: The completion date reflects the actual timeline of the submission process, enabling easier records management.
- Professionalism: Including an accurate date demonstrates attention to detail, a key skill that reflects well on your academic work.
- Avoid Confusion: Using a specific date that aligns with your work timeline reduces potential misunderstandings about when the essay was completed or finalized.
MLA Guidelines for Dates on Essays
If you’re following the Modern Language Association (MLA) format, one of the most widely used academic style guides, their guidance provides a clear answer.
According to the MLA, you should typically use the date you completed the essay, as noted in style.mla.org. The date is placed on the first page, aligned in the upper left-hand corner.
How the MLA Format Applies
- The date serves as a timestamp for when the work was finalized.
- It should follow the day-month-year format (e.g., 20 October 2023).
- Always consult your instructor’s preferences; while MLA guidelines are helpful, individual instructors may have specific preferences.
For additional MLA formatting tips on placement and structure, refer to official MLA resources or reputable academic proofreading sites like Proofed.co.uk.
Alternative Perspectives
While the completion date is commonly accepted, some instructors may prefer that you use the due date of the essay instead. This preference can arise for practical reasons:
- Organizational Reasons: Using the due date can make it easier for instructors to organize submissions.
- Alignment with Deadlines: Some instructors may want the date on the essay to match their records for when the essay was expected.
Always respect the specific instructions given by your teacher or professor. When in doubt, follow institutional or class-specific guidelines.
Tailoring to Preferences
If the instructor has explicitly requested the due date as the format, make sure to ensure clarity by adding comments or notes as necessary. Otherwise, if no instruction is given, the default practice remains the completion/submission date.
Date Formats to Consider in Essays
Different Formats Per Region and Guidelines
- The MLA (American format): Day–Month–Year (e.g., 20 October 2023)
- The APA/Chicago Style: Month–Day–Year (e.g., may 6, 2025)
- The International Format: Year–Month–Day (e.g., 2025-5-20)
Consistency is Key
Regardless of the format chosen or required, consistency throughout the essay is critical. Using different date standards in various sections may appear unprofessional and can confuse readers.
The Importance of Revision Dates in Certain Scenarios
For essays or technical documents requiring multiple revisions, including a last-revision date might be necessary. This practice is particularly valuable for:
- Technical or scientific documents: Ensuring that readers view the most updated version.
- Group projects: Helping collaborators track progress.
Pro tip from answers.com: Using your word processor’s metadata features (e.g., “last modified” date fields) may automate and simplify the process.
Final Thoughts on Dating Essays
Ultimately, the standard practice in academic writing is to use the date of completion or submission, unless the instructor specifies otherwise.
This approach aligns with professional norms, MLA guidelines, and common academic expectations. However, staying adaptable to specific preferences and maintaining clarity in formatting are also crucial.
Whenever in doubt:
- Refer to your institution’s formatting requirements.
- Ask your instructor for definitive preferences.
- Ensure consistency in date formats both within the essay and across related coursework.
By implementing these practices, you’ll maintain professionalism and clarity, ensuring your ideas shine without distraction.
