What are some tips for writing essays in college?

Starting to write essays in college can definitely feel intimidating at first, but once you get used to the expectations, you'll gain a lot of confidence. College-level writing usually expects you to think more critically and independently than in high school. Here are a few practical tips that might help:

When faced with a vague prompt, start by carefully reading the instructions and underlining keywords. Ask yourself: what is the main question I need to answer, or what problem am I being asked to explore? If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to email your professor or talk to them during office hours to clarify expectations—they’re usually happy to help!

One standard format you’ll encounter is the thesis-driven essay, which typically includes an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs with supporting evidence, and a conclusion. However, some assignments might require literature reviews, research papers, or reflective essays, so pay close attention to your professor’s guidelines. Sometimes you’ll be allowed or even encouraged to get creative with structure, especially in humanities classes.

For longer essays, break the process down. Try outlining your main ideas before you start writing—this will help you organize your thoughts and see how your argument will progress. For example, if you have a 10-page research paper, split your outline into sections (introduction, three main arguments, counterargument, conclusion) and focus on writing one section at a time. Setting small goals, like writing two pages a day, keeps the project manageable.

When I wrote my first college research paper, I started by collecting articles related to my topic, organizing quotes or statistics in a document, and then building my argument around the evidence I found. This made the actual writing feel less daunting because I had everything I needed right in front of me.

Finally, make use of campus resources—most colleges have a writing center where you can get feedback from peers or tutors. And remember, revision is key. Your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect; give yourself time to review and improve your work.

Ultimately, the more you write, the easier and more natural it’ll feel. With each assignment, you’ll pick up new strategies and develop your unique writing voice.