Writing Suggestions for Students at All Stages of College

You have some interesting tasks ahead of you as a college student. Regardless of whether you're in your first or last year, and regardless of your field of study, you're writing a lot. You're always communicating—from papers to lab reports to short-form written assignments to emails to your professors—and you're expected to write at a specific level. It is, in fact, critical to your academic success. Don't worry, you've got this. We've compiled a list of pointers and recommendations to assist you to understand what to expect and how to deal with college-level writing responsibilities at every step of your academic journey.

First Year

• Spend Some Time Polishing Your Work

Your teachers in high school may have spent time commenting on the style of your writing as well as the content of what you were writing about. College professors are more likely to spend less time doing so. They want to concentrate on your ideas and the data you give to back them up. In general, they'll be looking for well-written material.

• Maintain a List of Your Sources

It might be intimidating to write your first college research paper. Keeping precise notes on the sources you utilize when writing your paper is one of the finest strategies to set yourself up for success. It's OK to include ideas and material from other sources into your article—after all, that's what a research paper is for! The goal is to appropriately credit them.

• Make a Plan for Your Task

Managing your schoolwork in college might be challenging. Each class may only require one or two big and in-depth papers over the semester, rather than daily homework tasks. At the start of the semester, you'll usually get a syllabus for each class, which will inform you what kinds of assignments to expect and when they'll be due. Block out some time in your calendar to work on them now, so you don't end up pulling a string of frantic all-nighters later.

Allow yourself to work in phases when it comes to sitting down and drafting those papers. Begin by scribbling down thoughts, then organizing them into a rough outline. During office hours, go to your instructor's office and tell him or her what you're thinking about. Frequently, you'll strike up a discussion that generates even more ideas for your work.

After Your First Year – Second Year

Have you completed your first year? Congratulations! Now that you've finished your introductory sessions, it's time to move on to some of the more difficult material.

• Make a Decision

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, around 30% of college students switch majors at least once. So, if you're finding that the classes you truly enjoy aren't necessary for your major, think about changing your major. And if you haven't declared a major yet, now is the time to start considering it. As you begin to take more specialist classes, your writing will become more specialized as well.

• Raise the Stakes

You'll need to keep honing your writing talents as you progress through your education. Of course, writing is essential, but you should also write acceptably. You can tailor your writing style to the project you're working on if you use certain tools.

• Write with Intention

When it comes to internships, a solid cover letter may help you stand out from the crowd. It is, however, a different type of writing than you may be used to in your lessons. In a cover letter, emphasize what you can bring to the post or internship you're looking for, as well as your goals—for example, acquiring a new skill—and be succinct. Before you click the submit button, use a tone detector to make sure you sound professional.

Finishing on a High Note

You'll eventually glance up and realize your graduation date isn't that far away. Congratulations on entering your senior year!

• Appreciate Your Development

Take a minute now and then to reflect on how far you've come as a student and a writer. You'll notice a change in your writing today compared to your first year's effort.

• Work on Your Dissertation

Start planning now if your major demands a thesis or senior project. Because this is your final writing endeavor, you'll want to give it you're all. You'll use all of the abilities you've learned throughout the years, including researching, drafting, planning, and, of course, writing. Get your hands on all the necessary school supplies from sites like Shopify.

• Make Preparations for Your Future Relocation

Whether you're going to graduate school, a job, or somewhere else, you're in for a new experience. Now is the time to start collecting and arranging writing samples that you're pleased with into a writing portfolio. Papers you've written for class, lab reports, articles you've written for your school paper, and even letters or emails on significant themes can all be used as writing examples.

Best wishes! We know you'll accomplish and write great things!