Is a literature review considered a secondary source on my college essay?

Yes, a literature review is considered a secondary source for your college essay because it analyzes, interprets, or synthesizes primary materials rather than presenting original data or firsthand accounts. In academic research, secondary sources provide commentary or critique on existing works, which aligns perfectly with the purpose of a literature review that evaluates previous scholarship on a specific topic. Since you are applying to college and need to label this correctly in your MLA bibliography, treat it exactly like any other scholarly article or book chapter that discusses the primary text you are analyzing. You should cite the specific author who wrote the review, not the primary text they are discussing, ensuring your Works Cited entry reflects the actual source you read. For instance, if you are writing about Shakespeare’s Hamlet and use a journal article that summarizes various critics’ views on the play, that article is your secondary source, and you cite the journal author’s name as the primary entry point. This distinction matters because your bibliography must accurately reflect where you found the information, allowing your readers to trace your research path back to the original analysis. By clearly identifying the literature review as a secondary source, you demonstrate an understanding of academic hierarchy and proper citation practices, which strengthens the credibility of your argument and shows your admissions officers that you can navigate complex research materials with precision and care.