an essay about how to be a good student

How to Be a Better Student: Effective Study Habits and Tips

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on April 6, 2024

Categories Self Improvement , Education , Inspiration

Striving for academic success is a commendable goal, and becoming a better student is within your reach with the right strategies and mindset. It all starts with effective study techniques and smart time management. By selecting a quiet place to study without distractions , you’re setting the stage for better focus and retention. Remember, the frequency and quality of your study sessions are more influential to your grades than just their duration.

To enhance your learning, it’s not only about hitting the books but also engaging with the material in a constructive way. Asking questions and seeking clarification when you don’t understand ensures you’re not just memorizing information but truly comprehending it.

Developing a positive attitude towards your studies can transform your educational experience. You’ll find that goal setting and completing assignments punctually will contribute to your sense of accomplishment and encourage a sustained commitment to academic excellence.

Your journey to becoming a better student also involves self-care and knowing when to reach out for support. Balancing study time with activities that promote mental health is crucial. If you find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to ask for help . Tutors, study groups, and academic resources are available to guide you, and they can make a significant difference in how you manage your workload and stress.

By building a network of support and adopting effective study habits, you’re paving the way to becoming a better student and achieving the academic success you’re aiming for.

Setting Academic Goals

Achieving academic success begins with setting clear and attainable objectives that guide your educational journey. Careful planning and regular assessments will keep you on track as you navigate through your courses and academic requirements.

Understand Your Major

Get to know the core requirements of your major; this will provide a roadmap for your education. Whether you’re studying engineering, literature, or any other field, familiarize yourself with the essential courses and experiences that will contribute to your proficiency.

Define Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals ensures that they are achievable and aligned with your abilities and commitments. Use the SMART criteria to craft goals that are:

• Specific : Clearly define what you want to accomplish.
• Measurable : Determine how you will measure your success.
• Attainable : Make sure it’s possible to achieve the goals with the resources you have.
• Relevant : Ensure your goals are pertinent to your major and future aspirations.
• Time-bound : Set a deadline for when you want to achieve your goals.

Review Progress Regularly

Regularly reviewing your progress toward your goals allows you to adapt and make changes as needed. Set aside time each week or month to reflect on your achievements and challenges, and adjust your goals accordingly to maintain a realistic approach to your academic growth.

Creating an Effective Study Plan

Crafting an effective study plan is a key component of academic success. It involves structured scheduling, regular breaks to refresh your mind, and collaborative learning through study groups.

Draft a Study Schedule

Begin by setting up a study schedule that aligns with your time management goals and daily routine . Using a calendar or planner , block out specific times each day dedicated to studying. This structure should reflect when you are most alert and productive, ensuring that your study sessions are efficient. For example:

• Monday – Wednesday – Friday: 9 am – 11 am (Math)
• Tuesday – Thursday: 2 pm – 4 pm (History)

Incorporate Study Breaks

To maintain focus and prevent burnout, it’s important to include short, regular breaks within your study schedule. Aim for a 5-10 minute break after every 30-45 minutes of study time. These pauses serve as a mental reset, allowing you to return to your materials with a clear mind.

Join Study Groups

Participating in study groups can enhance your learning experience. It encourages you to engage in different perspectives and reinforces your knowledge through discussion and explanation. Look for group members who are committed and have similar academic aspirations, which will help keep your sessions productive.

Optimizing Your Study Space and Time

Creating an effective study space and managing your time wisely are crucial for academic success. Focus on finding a quiet area, reducing disruptions, and controlling notifications to enhance concentration.

Choose a Quiet Place

To maximize focus , select a study space away from high-traffic areas where noise is minimal. A quiet room or a secluded corner in a library can be ideal. Ensure this area is consistently available to associate it with studying and productivity.

Minimize Distractions

Remove potential distractions from your study area. This means turning off the television and keeping your study space clutter-free. A well-organized desk can prevent unnecessary distractions and keep you immersed in your studies.

Manage Notifications

In today’s digital age, smartphones are a major source of distraction. Manage your notifications by either silencing your phone or using apps to block interruptions during study sessions. This will help you maintain a high level of concentration and prevent breaks in your focus.

Developing Good Study Habits

Mastering good study habits is key to making your learning journey both successful and enjoyable. Active engagement with material, honing your note-taking skills, and consistent review can transform how effectively you study.

Active Learning

Active learning involves you taking charge of your educational experience. To engage actively, participate in discussions, ask questions, and seek to apply knowledge in practical scenarios. Study groups and hands-on projects can be particularly beneficial, as they encourage you to process and use information in real-time, leading to a deeper understanding.

• Break down complex topics into manageable parts to better understand them.
• Use mnemonic devices to memorize facts and terms.
• Teach others what you’ve learned; explaining concepts can reinforce your knowledge.

Effective Note-Taking

Your note-taking strategy should allow you to identify key points quickly and efficiently.

• Always head your notes with relevant details : date, topic, chapter number.
• Use bullet points or numbered lists to structure information.
• Highlight important terms in italic or bold for easy reference.
• Develop a system of symbols and abbreviations to save time.

Consider reviewing notes soon after class to retain the information better, capitalizing on the benefits of a strategy like the 27 Good Study Habits of Straight-A Students .

Regular Review and Practice Tests

Reviewing material regularly and taking practice tests are among the most effective study habits you can cultivate.

• Schedule brief review sessions each week, rather than waiting to cram before an exam.
• Make use of practice tests to evaluate what you know and what needs more attention.

Revisiting material in spaced intervals is a strategy supported by psychological research, making retention more successful. For more detailed insight, explore the psychological underpinnings of this and other strategies in the article 11 Good Study Habits to Develop .

Regular review and practice tests not only build your confidence but also highlight areas you need to focus on, ensuring that you utilize your study time as effectively as possible.

Enhancing Learning Techniques

To optimize your study habits, it’s crucial to harness a range of learning techniques tailored to your personal style. Enhance your academic performance by identifying your individual learning style, adopting effective memorization strategies, and engaging in active reading techniques.

Identify Your Learning Style

Understanding your learning style is fundamental in enhancing how you absorb and process information. Are you a visual learner who benefits from diagrams and color-coded notes? Or perhaps you excel as an auditory learner through listening to lectures or discussing topics out loud. Some learners thrive on physical actions or hands-on experience, making them kinesthetic learners. Pinpointing your style will allow you to adjust your study methods for maximum efficacy .

Utilize Memorization Strategies

Next, focus on memorization strategies that reinforce your retention. Techniques such as the ‘Chunking’ method, where you break down information into smaller, manageable units, can greatly improve memory recall.

For instance, when remembering a long string of numbers, group them into chunks rather than trying to memorize the whole sequence. Association is another powerful tool; by connecting new information to something you already know, you create mental bridges that help you recall the details later.

Engage in Active Reading

Finally, active reading is essential for deep comprehension and long-term learning. Start by previewing the chapter headings, subheadings, and summary information to get a roadmap of what you’ll be learning.

As you read, ask yourself questions, summarize passages in your own words, and highlight or underline key points. This strategy transforms passive reading into an interactive experience, enabling you to engage with the material more profoundly. Make sure to review your notes soon after to reinforce the concepts in your mind.

Participating Actively in Academics

To excel academically, it’s important for you to immerse yourself fully in the educational experience. This means not just being present in the classroom but also engaging deeply with your professors and classmates to enrich your learning journey.

Attend All Classes

Consistency is key. Make it your top priority to attend all classes. Not only does this exposure to lectures give you valuable information, but it also offers opportunities to participate in discussions, which has been linked to improved educational outcomes . Remember, each class is a chance to:

• Absorb new material
• Clarify doubts by asking questions in real time

Engage with Professors

Your professors are your guides through the complex landscape of academia. Engage with them by:

• Visiting during office hours to explore topics in more depth
• Asking thoughtful questions to demonstrate your interest and understanding

These actions not only show your commitment but also allow you to develop a professional rapport with your teachers, which can be vital for your academic advancement.

Build Relationships with Peers

Strike up conversations with your classmates to form study groups or discuss lecture materials. Your peers can provide diverse perspectives that enhance your own understanding of subjects. Collaborative learning approaches have proven to be effective, as shared by Along , and building these relationships can also lead to lasting friendships. In the classroom, try to:

• Contribute to group discussions
• Support others when they ask questions or need clarification

By actively participating in each of these areas, you’ll find yourself becoming not just a better student, but a well-rounded academic individual.

Utilizing Academic Resources

Making the most of academic resources can significantly enhance your educational journey. It’s important to remember that you have access to a variety of tools designed to support your learning process. Here’s how you can leverage some of these valuable assets.

Make Use of the Library

Your library is a treasure trove of knowledge with stacks filled with books on virtually every subject. Start by familiarizing yourself with the library catalog to find materials relevant to your courses. But don’t stop there; explore the library’s database subscriptions for scholarly articles, historical documents, and special collections that can offer deeper insights into your field of study.

• Search and Research: Utilize the search tools provided to find books and articles for your assignments.
• Study Spaces: Find a quiet corner or group study room to focus on your work without distractions.

Seek Help from Tutors

Tutors can be instrumental in your academic growth. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you’re struggling with a concept or a specific subject. Tutoring services often include one-on-one sessions, group tutoring, and even online assistance to cater to your learning style and schedule.

• One-on-One Sessions: Ideal for personalized attention to tackle challenging subjects.
• Group Tutoring: A great way to learn collaboratively and gain different perspectives.

Explore Online Resources

In today’s digital age, you have the advantage of accessing a wide array of online resources . From academic journals to interactive tutorials, you can find countless tools online to complement your studies. Online forums and educational platforms offer opportunities for engaging with peers and professionals from your field of interest.

• Educational Platforms: Websites like Coursera and Khan Academy offer free courses on a variety of topics.
• Interactive Tools: Use virtual simulations and interactive quizzes to test your knowledge and understanding.

Balancing School with Other Activities

Successfully managing your time as a student means finding the right mix of academics, extracurricular activities, sports, and social interactions. It’s about striking a balance that allows you to excel in school while also taking care of your health and enjoying life.

Participate in Extracurricular Activities

Engaging in extracurricular activities can enhance your school experience by developing new skills and passions. Choose activities that align with your interests and goals. For example, joining a debate club could sharpen your public speaking skills, while being part of a robotics team might ignite a love for engineering. Prioritize and limit your activities to those that are truly meaningful to you, preventing overcommitment.

• Choose Wisely : Select activities that truly interest you, not just what looks good on a resume.
• Time Allocation : Dedicate specific hours each week to these activities and adhere to them.

Fit in Time for Sports and Exercise

Physical activity is crucial for maintaining good health. Integrate sports or exercise into your weekly routine to help relieve stress and keep your body strong. This doesn’t mean you need to spend hours at the gym—find something enjoyable that fits into your schedule, like a quick jog between classes or a team sport with friends after school.

• Weekly Schedule : Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, as recommended by health guidelines.
• Fun Factor : Choose an activity that you enjoy so it becomes a highlight of your day, not a chore.

Maintain Social Relationships

Your social life is an important part of your overall well-being. Achieving academic success doesn’t mean sacrificing time with friends and family. It’s about managing your time efficiently to fit in important social interactions . Whether it’s a quick coffee with a friend or a family dinner, ensure to carve out time for these relationships.

• Quality Over Quantity : It’s not about the number of social events you attend, but the quality of the interactions you have.
• Plan Ahead : Use a planner to schedule in time for social events, just as you would with your academic work and other commitments.

Staying Motivated and Managing Stress

Maintaining enthusiasm for your studies can significantly impact your academic success, while effective stress management ensures you stay composed and ready to tackle challenges. Here’s how you can set goals, reward your progress, and keep stress at bay through proven techniques.

Set and Celebrate Achievements

Identify clear, attainable goals for each study session or semester. When you set realistic goals , you give yourself a clear roadmap of what you’re aiming to accomplish. After reaching a milestone, take a moment to celebrate your success—this will boost your morale and motivate you to keep pushing forward.

Develop a Reward System

Incentivize your hard work by establishing a reward system . For each target, you hit, whether it’s finishing an assignment early or acing a test, reward yourself with something enjoyable. It could be as simple as a favorite snack or an episode of a TV show. This strategy keeps your motivation levels high and makes studying more enjoyable.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Incorporate relaxation techniques into your routine to manage stress efficiently. Taking short breaks to meditate can replenish your mental energy. Additionally, practices like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation can lower stress levels and help maintain focus during study time.

Improving Through Feedback

Feedback is a powerful tool that can fuel your academic growth and enhance your skills. By learning to use feedback effectively, you can turn mistakes into stepping stones for success, proactively seek guidance, and take advantage of extra credit opportunities to advance your knowledge.

Learn from Mistakes

Identify your errors : After receiving feedback, take the time to understand what went wrong. Review your work and note the areas that need improvement. To aid your learning, create a simple chart to track common mistakes and their corrective actions.

Ask for and Act on Feedback

Actively engage with feedback : After you’ve received feedback, whether it’s from a teacher or peer, don’t just acknowledge it—act on it. List the key takeaways and create actionable goals.

• Update your study plan with specific objectives
• Rewrite or redo an assignment incorporating the feedback
• Schedule a meeting with your teacher if you need to ask for help to understand the feedback better

Seek Extra Credit Opportunities

Go the extra mile : If you’re looking to boost your grades or deepen your understanding, keep an eye out for extra credit projects. These assignments can provide a platform for you to:

• Demonstrate your commitment to the subject
• Apply feedback received on previous work
• Explore topics that are beyond the curriculum, which can spark new interests and show your initiative in learning

Remember that improvement is a continuous process , and leveraging feedback is key to becoming an effective learner.

Preparing for Class and Tests

To excel as a student, it’s crucial to be proactive about your learning process. This means not only being present in class but also arriving ready to engage and understand the material. Let’s focus on how you can best prepare before stepping into the classroom or sitting down for a test.

Make a Checklist Before Class

Start by creating a checklist of what you’ll need for class. This should include:

• Your textbooks
• Notebooks or loose-leaf paper for taking notes
• Writing utensils
• Any completed homework
• Questions you have about past material

Crossing off each item gives you a clear visual confirmation that you’re ready to learn.

Review Materials in Advance

Always review the material you’ll be covering in class beforehand. That means skimming through the chapter, reviewing past notes, or looking over assignments. Regular review sessions can dramatically improve your retention of information, enabling you to participate more actively and sit in the front row with confidence.

Show Up Prepared

Coming to class prepared is more than just bringing the right materials; it encompasses:

• Showing up on time
• Sitting in a spot where you can thoroughly engage, like the front row
• Setting a positive mindset for learning

Remember, taking notes is integral to your success. It helps cement the information you hear and provides an excellent basis for when it’s time to study hard for tests.

Adopting Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is crucial for being a successful student. Focusing on your health by getting sufficient sleep, eating well, taking mindful breaks, staying active and hydrated, can significantly boost your productivity and focus.

Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition

Sleep is the foundation of good health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to ensure your brain functions optimally. Your diet also plays a critical role in maintaining high energy levels and concentration. Start your day with a balanced breakfast and include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your meals. A study has shown the linkage between student health and their academic performance, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition and rest.

Take Regular Healthy Breaks

Incorporate short, healthy breaks throughout your study sessions. This can mean a brisk walk, a few stretches, or a calming meditation. These breaks help to clear your mind, reduce stress, and improve your focus when you return to your tasks. Structured breaks are key, so consider the Pomodoro Technique : 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break.

Stay Hydrated and Active

Hydration is crucial for cognitive function. You should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Carry a water bottle to remind yourself to drink regularly. To stay active , incorporate simple exercises like walking to class or using the stairs. Regular physical activity can boost your mood and energy , helping you stay more engaged with your studies.

Navigating Advanced Courses and College Work

Facing advanced courses and college work can be a challenge, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can thrive. Below, you’ll find specialized advice to approach hard classes, develop effective study strategies, and engage with your college community.

Approach Hard Classes with a Positive Mindset

Embrace the challenge of hard classes by recognizing that they offer unique opportunities for growth and learning. Begin by setting realistic goals for each course and remind yourself of your ability to improve through dedication and resilience.

Develop College-Level Study Strategies

Your college experience will be marked by independently managing a lot of information. To excel, hone your study skills by:

• Time Management: Use a planner to track assignments and deadlines. Block out study time for each class, treating it like a fixed appointment.
• Active Learning: Engage actively with material through summarization, concept maps, and teaching the material to others.
• Regular Review: Spaced repetition, where you review notes and readings at scheduled intervals, is key for long-term retention.

Connect with the College Community

The strategies for academic success aren’t limited to solitary study sessions. Engage with your college’s community to enhance your learning:

• Study Groups: Join or form study groups to gain new perspectives and insights on the course material.
• Academic Advising: Seek out advisors and professors during office hours for guidance on course selection and academic pursuits.
• Campus Resources: Utilize libraries, writing centers, and tutoring services that can provide support and enrichment for your courses.

Leveraging Technology for Learning

Embracing technology can transform your learning experience by providing you with innovative tools and resources that are designed to enhance your understanding and efficiency. Here are some specific ways you can incorporate technology into your study routine.

Use Educational Apps and Tools

You have a world of information at your fingertips with educational apps and tools. For instance, apps like Khan Academy offer free lessons in a variety of subjects, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Additionally, project management tools like Trello can help you organize your assignments and break down large projects into manageable tasks.

Set Reminders and Alarms

Your smartphone or computer can serve as an excellent academic assistant. Use it to set reminders for important dates and deadlines. By setting alarms , you can also allocate specific time blocks dedicated to studying, ensuring that you make the most of your time without forgetting any of your academic commitments.

Access Online Study Aids

There are numerous online study aids that can supplement your learning. Websites like Quizlet provide flashcards on various subjects which help in reinforcing your knowledge. Additionally, platforms like Coursera or edX give you access to college-level courses, often for free, enabling you to delve deeper into your chosen field of study.

Mastering Time Management and Organization

To become a more successful student, enhancing your time management skills and staying organized are essential. This section will assist you in creating effective habits to structure your study time and organize your tasks.

Establish a Daily Routine

Developing a daily routine is vital for maintaining consistent progress. Begin by mapping out your day with clear time blocks dedicated to studying, attending classes, and personal activities. This structure ensures that you allocate ample time for each responsibility, reducing the likelihood of last-minute cramming.

• Morning: Set a wake-up time that allows for a morning ritual to prepare for the day.
• Afternoon: Block periods for classes, followed by review sessions where the information is still fresh.
• Evening: Reserve time for homework and longer study sessions, along with breaks to recharge.

Use Planners and Timers

A planner is a powerful tool to visually organize your tasks, assignments, and deadlines. Daily and weekly calendars can help you plan ahead and stay on track. Pairing this with a timer during study sessions cultivates focused, efficient learning periods, with short breaks to avoid burnout.

• Outline your week every Sunday to anticipate what’s coming.
• Highlight important dates and tasks.
• Try the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break.

Follow Directions and Instructions

Always follow directions carefully whether for assignments, projects, or exams. Careful reading of the instructions can save you time and prevent errors. When in doubt, ask for clarification to ensure that you are on the right path.

• Read through the directions twice before starting.
• Look for keywords to understand the task’s requirements.

By incorporating these strategies into your student life, you can increase your efficiency and effectiveness, allowing for a well-balanced academic experience.

Embracing effective study tips is crucial for your improvement and success in school . First, fine-tune your time management skills; allocate specific hours for study and stick to them. Your consistency will pay off.

Remember, good students aren’t just born; they’re made through perseverance. Cultivate a growth mindset that sees challenges as opportunities to learn. This attitude will serve you well beyond your school years.

Use active learning strategies:

• Make summary notes in your own words.
• Discuss topics with peers.
• Teach concepts you’ve learned to someone else.

Stay organized with a planner or a digital app to track assignments and deadlines. It’s easier to prioritize tasks when you can see your week at a glance. Check off completed tasks for a sense of accomplishment.

Form or join study groups. Sharing insights and questions with classmates can enhance your understanding and make learning more enjoyable.

Stay healthy; a well-rested mind is key to retention and cognitive function. Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek help. Your teachers and tutors are there to guide you. Reach out when you’re struggling to grasp a concept.

By adopting these habits and maintaining a positive outlook, you set yourself on a path toward not just academic excellence, but a lifetime of learning.

Essay About Being a Student: Top 5 Examples and Prompts

Read an essay about being a student to learn how you can write your paper about the topic. Here are essay prompts for anyone who doesn’t know where to start.

Life’s challenges are different when you are a student. Being a student isn’t only about focusing on academics or your future. It’s also about balancing your social life, health, and relationships. Sometimes, peer pressure can push you to make bad decisions. Other times, your years as a student will be your most memorable ones. 

We listed five essays to read for students who want to write essays about being a student.

For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers.

1. Essay on Student Life by Toppr

2. education and student life by lindsey buchanan, 3. short essay on the life of a student by bunty rane, 4. international student life by lillian thornton, 5. my life as… and international student by charlotte, 1. being a high school student, 2. using online learning tools, 3. relationships built as a student, 4. most popular sports among students, 5. being a student scholar, 6. peer pressure among students, 7. hollywood vs. reality: the high school experience, 8. being a student and a mom, 9. going back to finish school.

“One of the most exciting things about student life is getting to go on picnics and trips with your friends. You get to enjoy yourself and have a lot of fun. Even waiting for the exam result with friends becomes fun.”

This essay describes the essence of student life and what the writer learned from being a student. The essay includes many positive and negative experiences that are fun and worthwhile.

“Student life is the best part of an individual’s life. At this time, our main task is to study. We should stop thinking of anything else and concentrate on education.”

Buchanan discusses the importance of students and student life. She explains what students must do to survive this life, what they’ll typically undergo, and how to be a good student.

“Fun increases after real hard work, and you tend to enjoy [it] more than those who had been lazy and have wasted their time. I think this period of your life is [the] most wonderful period – full of spontaneity, dreams, and hope, not a care in the world, except for studying.”

Rane’s essay on being a student describes what students typically do, based on the writer’s experience. For example, students can get lucky, scolded, bored, and have fun. The essay also detailed how students respect teachers, pass exams, and learn discipline.

“Studying in America has a lot of advantages, such as we can learn [about] new cultures. But studying in [a] different country is a difficult thing for [a] teenager.”

Thornton is an international student from China who describes the difficulties of studying in the United States. In her essay, Thornton describes the advantages of being in the US and exposing herself to a new culture.

“Being an international student is kind of a double-edged sword. A lot of time, I love the attention.”

Charlotte’s essay focuses on her experience as a British student studying in the United States. She shares how being a student is like being a celebrity in negative and positive ways. She also shared the culture shock when she saw how different it was to study in another country.

9 Prompts on Writing and Essay About Being a Student

Are you ready to write an essay about being a student? Share your student experience through essay writing with the prompts below. Use them as your focus, theme, or starting point.

The years you spend in high school are often a memorable time for you. A high school student’s life revolves around the friendships they make, puberty, and peer pressure. Yet, most people don’t even remember their grades in high school when they reminisce about it.

Use this essay prompt to give life to your high school story as you remember it. If you’re still in high school, this topic is an excellent choice for you to describe how you feel like a high school student.

Using online tools for distance learning is one of the adaptations we had to make to avoid spreading the COVID-19 virus. Today, many schools still use online learning resources, changing the experience of many students. 

How do you like online learning versus face-to-face classes? What are the pros and cons of each education style? Answer these questions in your essay about being a student in post-pandemic times.

The common relationship made in school is friendship. Some students find romantic relationships in school, but most people experience friendship. 

You can describe the different levels of relationships you’ve built in school as a student, whether as acquaintances or best friends with a person. You can also extend this to non-students, like the school staff and team or club members.

Many students make it through their education by maintaining athletic scholarships. Whether you’re an athlete or a sports-spirited student, you know which sports are most popular among the student body.

Describe the most popular sports in this essay and why they are so loved by students. You can also discuss how other sports programs might gain popularity and attract more athletes.

If you’re still stuck, check out our general resource of essay writing topics .

Student scholars are students who receive a scholarship that provides financial aid for their studies. Financial aid can come from the university or other organizations, covering tuition fees, learning equipment, and more. 

With this essay topic, you can detail what it’s like to be a student scholar. Describe the challenges you face and the benefits you receive.

Peer pressure is most powerful and influential to middle and high school students. This is because teenagers typically want to fit in and feel admired by their peers. Sometimes, it also extends to the college or university level. Discuss how you handled peer pressure, how it is so powerful to students, and how others could manage their reactions to it.

From Mean Girls to High School Musical, the Hollywood high school experience has been extremely exaggerated. In reality, the student hive doesn’t mindlessly idolize a queen bee, fall into specific stereotypes, or burst into song. 

Hollywood is abundant with unrealistic portrayals of the US high school experience. Debunk these tropes by writing about your high school experience.

Traditionally, women must finish their studies before they start a family. Many, but not all, female students who get unplanned pregnancies continue their pregnancy and raise their children in reality. Finishing one’s education is already a huge challenge in itself. 

The experience becomes even more challenging when a baby or young child gets added to the mix. If you’re a single mom and a student, this is the essay topic most suitable for you.

Not all students had the choice or privilege to finish their studies. Walt Disney didn’t finish high school, while Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs didn’t finish college. Instead, they pursued their dreams and found success. Other people don’t have the same luck or make the same choices. 

Others have risked school for bad decisions or miscalculations. No matter the outcome of leaving school, it’s still a good decision if you have come back to finish it. Use this essay topic to write about what it’s like to go back to school to finish it.

If you’re stuck picking your next essay topic, see the following essay topics about education .

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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• Academic Skills
• Reading, writing and referencing

Writing a great essay

This resource covers key considerations when writing an essay.

While reading a student’s essay, markers will ask themselves questions such as:

• Does this essay directly address the set task?
• Does it present a strong, supported position?
• Does it use relevant sources appropriately?
• Is the expression clear, and the style appropriate?
• Is the essay organised coherently? Is there a clear introduction, body and conclusion?

You can use these questions to reflect on your own writing. Here are six top tips to help you address these criteria.

1. Analyse the question

Student essays are responses to specific questions. As an essay must address the question directly, your first step should be to analyse the question. Make sure you know exactly what is being asked of you.

Generally, essay questions contain three component parts:

• Content terms: Key concepts that are specific to the task
• Limiting terms: The scope that the topic focuses on
• Directive terms: What you need to do in relation to the content, e.g. discuss, analyse, define, compare, evaluate.

Look at the following essay question:

Discuss the importance of light in Gothic architecture.

• Content terms: Gothic architecture
• Limiting terms: the importance of light. If you discussed some other feature of Gothic architecture, for example spires or arches, you would be deviating from what is required. This essay question is limited to a discussion of light. Likewise, it asks you to write about the importance of light – not, for example, to discuss how light enters Gothic churches.
• Directive term: discuss. This term asks you to take a broad approach to the variety of ways in which light may be important for Gothic architecture. You should introduce and consider different ideas and opinions that you have met in academic literature on this topic, citing them appropriately .

For a more complex question, you can highlight the key words and break it down into a series of sub-questions to make sure you answer all parts of the task. Consider the following question (from Arts):

To what extent can the American Revolution be understood as a revolution ‘from below’? Why did working people become involved and with what aims in mind?

The key words here are American Revolution and revolution ‘from below’. This is a view that you would need to respond to in this essay. This response must focus on the aims and motivations of working people in the revolution, as stated in the second question.

2. Define your argument

As you plan and prepare to write the essay, you must consider what your argument is going to be. This means taking an informed position or point of view on the topic presented in the question, then defining and presenting a specific argument.

Consider these two argument statements:

The architectural use of light in Gothic cathedrals physically embodied the significance of light in medieval theology.

In the Gothic cathedral of Cologne, light served to accentuate the authority and ritual centrality of the priest.

Statements like these define an essay’s argument. They give coherence by providing an overarching theme and position towards which the entire essay is directed.

3. Use evidence, reasoning and scholarship

To convince your audience of your argument, you must use evidence and reasoning, which involves referring to and evaluating relevant scholarship.

• Evidence provides concrete information to support your claim. It typically consists of specific examples, facts, quotations, statistics and illustrations.
• Reasoning connects the evidence to your argument. Rather than citing evidence like a shopping list, you need to evaluate the evidence and show how it supports your argument.
• Scholarship is used to show how your argument relates to what has been written on the topic (citing specific works). Scholarship can be used as part of your evidence and reasoning to support your argument.

4. Organise a coherent essay

An essay has three basic components - introduction, body and conclusion.

The purpose of an introduction is to introduce your essay. It typically presents information in the following order:

• A general statement about the topic that provides context for your argument
• A thesis statement showing your argument. You can use explicit lead-ins, such as ‘This essay argues that...’
• A ‘road map’ of the essay, telling the reader how it is going to present and develop your argument.

Example introduction

"To what extent can the American Revolution be understood as a revolution ‘from below’? Why did working people become involved and with what aims in mind?"

Introduction*

Historians generally concentrate on the twenty-year period between 1763 and 1783 as the period which constitutes the American Revolution [This sentence sets the general context of the period] . However, when considering the involvement of working people, or people from below, in the revolution it is important to make a distinction between the pre-revolutionary period 1763-1774 and the revolutionary period 1774-1788, marked by the establishment of the continental Congress(1) [This sentence defines the key term from below and gives more context to the argument that follows] . This paper will argue that the nature and aims of the actions of working people are difficult to assess as it changed according to each phase [This is the thesis statement] . The pre-revolutionary period was characterised by opposition to Britain’s authority. During this period the aims and actions of the working people were more conservative as they responded to grievances related to taxes and scarce land, issues which directly affected them. However, examination of activities such as the organisation of crowd action and town meetings, pamphlet writing, formal communications to Britain of American grievances and physical action in the streets, demonstrates that their aims and actions became more revolutionary after 1775 [These sentences give the ‘road map’ or overview of the content of the essay] .

The body of the essay develops and elaborates your argument. It does this by presenting a reasoned case supported by evidence from relevant scholarship. Its shape corresponds to the overview that you provided in your introduction.

The body of your essay should be written in paragraphs. Each body paragraph should develop one main idea that supports your argument. To learn how to structure a paragraph, look at the page developing clarity and focus in academic writing .

Your conclusion should not offer any new material. Your evidence and argumentation should have been made clear to the reader in the body of the essay.

Use the conclusion to briefly restate the main argumentative position and provide a short summary of the themes discussed. In addition, also consider telling your reader:

• What the significance of your findings, or the implications of your conclusion, might be
• Whether there are other factors which need to be looked at, but which were outside the scope of the essay
• How your topic links to the wider context (‘bigger picture’) in your discipline.

Do not simply repeat yourself in this section. A conclusion which merely summarises is repetitive and reduces the impact of your paper.

Example conclusion

Conclusion*.

Although, to a large extent, the working class were mainly those in the forefront of crowd action and they also led the revolts against wealthy plantation farmers, the American Revolution was not a class struggle [This is a statement of the concluding position of the essay]. Working people participated because the issues directly affected them – the threat posed by powerful landowners and the tyranny Britain represented. Whereas the aims and actions of the working classes were more concerned with resistance to British rule during the pre-revolutionary period, they became more revolutionary in nature after 1775 when the tension with Britain escalated [These sentences restate the key argument]. With this shift, a change in ideas occurred. In terms of considering the Revolution as a whole range of activities such as organising riots, communicating to Britain, attendance at town hall meetings and pamphlet writing, a difficulty emerges in that all classes were involved. Therefore, it is impossible to assess the extent to which a single group such as working people contributed to the American Revolution [These sentences give final thoughts on the topic].

5. Write clearly

An essay that makes good, evidence-supported points will only receive a high grade if it is written clearly. Clarity is produced through careful revision and editing, which can turn a good essay into an excellent one.

When you edit your essay, try to view it with fresh eyes – almost as if someone else had written it.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Overall structure

• Have you clearly stated your argument in your introduction?
• Does the actual structure correspond to the ‘road map’ set out in your introduction?
• Have you clearly indicated how your main points support your argument?
• Have you clearly signposted the transitions between each of your main points for your reader?
• Does each paragraph introduce one main idea?
• Does every sentence in the paragraph support that main idea?
• Does each paragraph display relevant evidence and reasoning?
• Does each paragraph logically follow on from the one before it?
• Is each sentence grammatically complete?
• Is the spelling correct?
• Is the link between sentences clear to your readers?
• Have you avoided redundancy and repetition?

See more about editing on our  editing your writing page.

6. Cite sources and evidence

Finally, check your citations to make sure that they are accurate and complete. Some faculties require you to use a specific citation style (e.g. APA) while others may allow you to choose a preferred one. Whatever style you use, you must follow its guidelines correctly and consistently. You can use Recite, the University of Melbourne style guide, to check your citations.

Further resources

• Germov, J. (2011). Get great marks for your essays, reports and presentations (3rd ed.). NSW: Allen and Unwin.
• Using English for Academic Purposes: A guide for students in Higher Education [online]. Retrieved January 2020 from http://www.uefap.com
• Williams, J.M. & Colomb, G. G. (2010) Style: Lessons in clarity and grace. 10th ed. New York: Longman.

* Example introduction and conclusion adapted from a student paper.

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How to Write the Perfect Essay: A Step-By-Step Guide for Students

• June 2, 2022

• What is an essay? 

What makes a good essay?

Typical essay structure, 7 steps to writing a good essay, a step-by-step guide to writing a good essay.

Whether you are gearing up for your GCSE coursework submissions or looking to brush up on your A-level writing skills, we have the perfect essay-writing guide for you. 💯

Staring at a blank page before writing an essay can feel a little daunting . Where do you start? What should your introduction say? And how should you structure your arguments? They are all fair questions and we have the answers! Take the stress out of essay writing with this step-by-step guide – you’ll be typing away in no time. 👩‍💻

What is an essay?

Generally speaking, an essay designates a literary work in which the author defends a point of view or a personal conviction, using logical arguments and literary devices in order to inform and convince the reader.

So – although essays can be broadly split into four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive – an essay can simply be described as a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. 🤔

The purpose of an essay is to present a coherent argument in response to a stimulus or question and to persuade the reader that your position is credible, believable and reasonable. 👌

So, a ‘good’ essay relies on a confident writing style – it’s clear, well-substantiated, focussed, explanatory and descriptive . The structure follows a logical progression and above all, the body of the essay clearly correlates to the tile – answering the question where one has been posed. 

But, how do you go about making sure that you tick all these boxes and keep within a specified word count? Read on for the answer as well as an example essay structure to follow and a handy step-by-step guide to writing the perfect essay – hooray. 🙌

Sometimes, it is helpful to think about your essay like it is a well-balanced argument or a speech – it needs to have a logical structure, with all your points coming together to answer the question in a coherent manner. ⚖️

Of course, essays can vary significantly in length but besides that, they all follow a fairly strict pattern or structure made up of three sections. Lean into this predictability because it will keep you on track and help you make your point clearly. Let’s take a look at the typical essay structure:  

#1 Introduction

Start your introduction with the central claim of your essay. Let the reader know exactly what you intend to say with this essay. Communicate what you’re going to argue, and in what order. The final part of your introduction should also say what conclusions you’re going to draw – it sounds counter-intuitive but it’s not – more on that below. 1️⃣

Make your point, evidence it and explain it. This part of the essay – generally made up of three or more paragraphs depending on the length of your essay – is where you present your argument. The first sentence of each paragraph – much like an introduction to an essay – should summarise what your paragraph intends to explain in more detail. 2️⃣

#3 Conclusion

This is where you affirm your argument – remind the reader what you just proved in your essay and how you did it. This section will sound quite similar to your introduction but – having written the essay – you’ll be summarising rather than setting out your stall. 3️⃣

No essay is the same but your approach to writing them can be. As well as some best practice tips, we have gathered our favourite advice from expert essay-writers and compiled the following 7-step guide to writing a good essay every time. 👍

#1 Make sure you understand the question

#2 complete background reading.

#3 Make a detailed plan 

#4 Write your opening sentences 

#5 flesh out your essay in a rough draft, #6 evidence your opinion, #7 final proofread and edit.

Now that you have familiarised yourself with the 7 steps standing between you and the perfect essay, let’s take a closer look at each of those stages so that you can get on with crafting your written arguments with confidence . 

This is the most crucial stage in essay writing – r ead the essay prompt carefully and understand the question. Highlight the keywords – like ‘compare,’ ‘contrast’ ‘discuss,’ ‘explain’ or ‘evaluate’ – and let it sink in before your mind starts racing . There is nothing worse than writing 500 words before realising you have entirely missed the brief . 🧐

Unless you are writing under exam conditions , you will most likely have been working towards this essay for some time, by doing thorough background reading. Re-read relevant chapters and sections, highlight pertinent material and maybe even stray outside the designated reading list, this shows genuine interest and extended knowledge. 📚

#3 Make a detailed plan

Following the handy structure we shared with you above, now is the time to create the ‘skeleton structure’ or essay plan. Working from your essay title, plot out what you want your paragraphs to cover and how that information is going to flow. You don’t need to start writing any full sentences yet but it might be useful to think about the various quotes you plan to use to substantiate each section. 📝

Having mapped out the overall trajectory of your essay, you can start to drill down into the detail. First, write the opening sentence for each of the paragraphs in the body section of your essay. Remember – each paragraph is like a mini-essay – the opening sentence should summarise what the paragraph will then go on to explain in more detail. 🖊️

Next, it's time to write the bulk of your words and flesh out your arguments. Follow the ‘point, evidence, explain’ method. The opening sentences – already written – should introduce your ‘points’, so now you need to ‘evidence’ them with corroborating research and ‘explain’ how the evidence you’ve presented proves the point you’re trying to make. ✍️

With a rough draft in front of you, you can take a moment to read what you have written so far. Are there any sections that require further substantiation? Have you managed to include the most relevant material you originally highlighted in your background reading? Now is the time to make sure you have evidenced all your opinions and claims with the strongest quotes, citations and material. 📗

This is your final chance to re-read your essay and go over it with a fine-toothed comb before pressing ‘submit’. We highly recommend leaving a day or two between finishing your essay and the final proofread if possible – you’ll be amazed at the difference this makes, allowing you to return with a fresh pair of eyes and a more discerning judgment. 🤓

If you are looking for advice and support with your own essay-writing adventures, why not t ry a free trial lesson with GoStudent? Our tutors are experts at boosting academic success and having fun along the way. Get in touch and see how it can work for you today. 🎒

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College admissions

Course: college admissions   >   unit 4.

• Writing a strong college admissions essay
• Avoiding common admissions essay mistakes
• Brainstorming tips for your college essay
• How formal should the tone of your college essay be?
• Taking your college essay to the next level
• Sample essay 1 with admissions feedback
• Sample essay 2 with admissions feedback
• Student story: Admissions essay about a formative experience
• Student story: Admissions essay about personal identity
• Student story: Admissions essay about community impact
• Student story: Admissions essay about a past mistake
• Student story: Admissions essay about a meaningful poem

Writing tips and techniques for your college essay

Pose a question the reader wants answered

Don't focus exclusively on the past, experiment with the unexpected, don't summarize, want to join the conversation.

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• Tips for Reading an Assignment Prompt
• Asking Analytical Questions
• Introductions
• What Do Introductions Across the Disciplines Have in Common?
• Anatomy of a Body Paragraph
• Transitions
• Tips for Organizing Your Essay
• Counterargument
• Conclusions
• Strategies for Essay Writing: Downloadable PDFs
• Brief Guides to Writing in the Disciplines

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 177 college essay examples for 11 schools + expert analysis.

College Admissions , College Essays

The personal statement might just be the hardest part of your college application. Mostly this is because it has the least guidance and is the most open-ended. One way to understand what colleges are looking for when they ask you to write an essay is to check out the essays of students who already got in—college essays that actually worked. After all, they must be among the most successful of this weird literary genre.

In this article, I'll go through general guidelines for what makes great college essays great. I've also compiled an enormous list of 100+ actual sample college essays from 11 different schools. Finally, I'll break down two of these published college essay examples and explain why and how they work. With links to 177 full essays and essay excerpts , this article is a great resource for learning how to craft your own personal college admissions essay!

What Excellent College Essays Have in Common

Even though in many ways these sample college essays are very different from one other, they do share some traits you should try to emulate as you write your own essay.

Visible Signs of Planning

Building out from a narrow, concrete focus. You'll see a similar structure in many of the essays. The author starts with a very detailed story of an event or description of a person or place. After this sense-heavy imagery, the essay expands out to make a broader point about the author, and connects this very memorable experience to the author's present situation, state of mind, newfound understanding, or maturity level.

Knowing how to tell a story. Some of the experiences in these essays are one-of-a-kind. But most deal with the stuff of everyday life. What sets them apart is the way the author approaches the topic: analyzing it for drama and humor, for its moving qualities, for what it says about the author's world, and for how it connects to the author's emotional life.

Stellar Execution

A killer first sentence. You've heard it before, and you'll hear it again: you have to suck the reader in, and the best place to do that is the first sentence. Great first sentences are punchy. They are like cliffhangers, setting up an exciting scene or an unusual situation with an unclear conclusion, in order to make the reader want to know more. Don't take my word for it—check out these 22 first sentences from Stanford applicants and tell me you don't want to read the rest of those essays to find out what happens!

A lively, individual voice. Writing is for readers. In this case, your reader is an admissions officer who has read thousands of essays before yours and will read thousands after. Your goal? Don't bore your reader. Use interesting descriptions, stay away from clichés, include your own offbeat observations—anything that makes this essay sounds like you and not like anyone else.

Technical correctness. No spelling mistakes, no grammar weirdness, no syntax issues, no punctuation snafus—each of these sample college essays has been formatted and proofread perfectly. If this kind of exactness is not your strong suit, you're in luck! All colleges advise applicants to have their essays looked over several times by parents, teachers, mentors, and anyone else who can spot a comma splice. Your essay must be your own work, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting help polishing it.

And if you need more guidance, connect with PrepScholar's expert admissions consultants . These expert writers know exactly what college admissions committees look for in an admissions essay and chan help you craft an essay that boosts your chances of getting into your dream school.

Check out PrepScholar's Essay Editing and Coaching progra m for more details!

Links to Full College Essay Examples

Some colleges publish a selection of their favorite accepted college essays that worked, and I've put together a selection of over 100 of these.

Common App Essay Samples

Please note that some of these college essay examples may be responding to prompts that are no longer in use. The current Common App prompts are as follows:

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. 2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? 3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? 4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? 5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. 6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the list of 177 college essay examples responding to current and past Common App essay prompts. 

Connecticut college.

• 12 Common Application essays from the classes of 2022-2025

Hamilton College

• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2026
• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2022
• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2018
• 8 Common Application essays from the class of 2012
• 8 Common Application essays from the class of 2007

Johns Hopkins

These essays are answers to past prompts from either the Common Application or the Coalition Application (which Johns Hopkins used to accept).

• 1 Common Application or Coalition Application essay from the class of 2026
• 6 Common Application or Coalition Application essays from the class of 2025
• 6 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2024
• 6 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2023
• 7 Common Application of Universal Application essays from the class of 2022
• 5 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2021
• 7 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2020

Essay Examples Published by Other Websites

• 2 Common Application essays ( 1st essay , 2nd essay ) from applicants admitted to Columbia

Other Sample College Essays

Here is a collection of essays that are college-specific.

Babson College

• 4 essays (and 1 video response) on "Why Babson" from the class of 2020

Emory University

• 5 essay examples ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) from the class of 2020 along with analysis from Emory admissions staff on why the essays were exceptional
• 5 more recent essay examples ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) along with analysis from Emory admissions staff on what made these essays stand out

University of Georgia

• 1 “strong essay” sample from 2019
• 1 “strong essay” sample from 2018
• 10 Harvard essays from 2023
• 10 Harvard essays from 2022
• 10 Harvard essays from 2021
• 10 Harvard essays from 2020
• 10 Harvard essays from 2019
• 10 Harvard essays from 2018
• 6 essays from admitted MIT students

Smith College

• 6 "best gift" essays from the class of 2018

Books of College Essays

If you're looking for even more sample college essays, consider purchasing a college essay book. The best of these include dozens of essays that worked and feedback from real admissions officers.

College Essays That Made a Difference —This detailed guide from Princeton Review includes not only successful essays, but also interviews with admissions officers and full student profiles.

50 Successful Harvard Application Essays by the Staff of the Harvard Crimson—A must for anyone aspiring to Harvard .

50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays and 50 Successful Stanford Application Essays by Gen and Kelly Tanabe—For essays from other top schools, check out this venerated series, which is regularly updated with new essays.

Heavenly Essays by Janine W. Robinson—This collection from the popular blogger behind Essay Hell includes a wider range of schools, as well as helpful tips on honing your own essay.

Analyzing Great Common App Essays That Worked

I've picked two essays from the examples collected above to examine in more depth so that you can see exactly what makes a successful college essay work. Full credit for these essays goes to the original authors and the schools that published them.

Example 1: "Breaking Into Cars," by Stephen, Johns Hopkins Class of '19 (Common App Essay, 636 words long)

I had never broken into a car before.

We were in Laredo, having just finished our first day at a Habitat for Humanity work site. The Hotchkiss volunteers had already left, off to enjoy some Texas BBQ, leaving me behind with the college kids to clean up. Not until we were stranded did we realize we were locked out of the van.

Someone picked a coat hanger out of the dumpster, handed it to me, and took a few steps back.

"Can you do that thing with a coat hanger to unlock it?"

"Why me?" I thought.

More out of amusement than optimism, I gave it a try. I slid the hanger into the window's seal like I'd seen on crime shows, and spent a few minutes jiggling the apparatus around the inside of the frame. Suddenly, two things simultaneously clicked. One was the lock on the door. (I actually succeeded in springing it.) The other was the realization that I'd been in this type of situation before. In fact, I'd been born into this type of situation.

My upbringing has numbed me to unpredictability and chaos. With a family of seven, my home was loud, messy, and spottily supervised. My siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing—all meant my house was functioning normally. My Dad, a retired Navy pilot, was away half the time. When he was home, he had a parenting style something like a drill sergeant. At the age of nine, I learned how to clear burning oil from the surface of water. My Dad considered this a critical life skill—you know, in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed. "The water's on fire! Clear a hole!" he shouted, tossing me in the lake without warning. While I'm still unconvinced about that particular lesson's practicality, my Dad's overarching message is unequivocally true: much of life is unexpected, and you have to deal with the twists and turns.

Living in my family, days rarely unfolded as planned. A bit overlooked, a little pushed around, I learned to roll with reality, negotiate a quick deal, and give the improbable a try. I don't sweat the small stuff, and I definitely don't expect perfect fairness. So what if our dining room table only has six chairs for seven people? Someone learns the importance of punctuality every night.

But more than punctuality and a special affinity for musical chairs, my family life has taught me to thrive in situations over which I have no power. Growing up, I never controlled my older siblings, but I learned how to thwart their attempts to control me. I forged alliances, and realigned them as necessary. Sometimes, I was the poor, defenseless little brother; sometimes I was the omniscient elder. Different things to different people, as the situation demanded. I learned to adapt.

Back then, these techniques were merely reactions undertaken to ensure my survival. But one day this fall, Dr. Hicks, our Head of School, asked me a question that he hoped all seniors would reflect on throughout the year: "How can I participate in a thing I do not govern, in the company of people I did not choose?"

The question caught me off guard, much like the question posed to me in Laredo. Then, I realized I knew the answer. I knew why the coat hanger had been handed to me.

Growing up as the middle child in my family, I was a vital participant in a thing I did not govern, in the company of people I did not choose. It's family. It's society. And often, it's chaos. You participate by letting go of the small stuff, not expecting order and perfection, and facing the unexpected with confidence, optimism, and preparedness. My family experience taught me to face a serendipitous world with confidence.

What Makes This Essay Tick?

It's very helpful to take writing apart in order to see just how it accomplishes its objectives. Stephen's essay is very effective. Let's find out why!

An Opening Line That Draws You In

In just eight words, we get: scene-setting (he is standing next to a car about to break in), the idea of crossing a boundary (he is maybe about to do an illegal thing for the first time), and a cliffhanger (we are thinking: is he going to get caught? Is he headed for a life of crime? Is he about to be scared straight?).

Great, Detailed Opening Story

More out of amusement than optimism, I gave it a try. I slid the hanger into the window's seal like I'd seen on crime shows, and spent a few minutes jiggling the apparatus around the inside of the frame.

It's the details that really make this small experience come alive. Notice how whenever he can, Stephen uses a more specific, descriptive word in place of a more generic one. The volunteers aren't going to get food or dinner; they're going for "Texas BBQ." The coat hanger comes from "a dumpster." Stephen doesn't just move the coat hanger—he "jiggles" it.

Details also help us visualize the emotions of the people in the scene. The person who hands Stephen the coat hanger isn't just uncomfortable or nervous; he "takes a few steps back"—a description of movement that conveys feelings. Finally, the detail of actual speech makes the scene pop. Instead of writing that the other guy asked him to unlock the van, Stephen has the guy actually say his own words in a way that sounds like a teenager talking.

Turning a Specific Incident Into a Deeper Insight

Suddenly, two things simultaneously clicked. One was the lock on the door. (I actually succeeded in springing it.) The other was the realization that I'd been in this type of situation before. In fact, I'd been born into this type of situation.

Stephen makes the locked car experience a meaningful illustration of how he has learned to be resourceful and ready for anything, and he also makes this turn from the specific to the broad through an elegant play on the two meanings of the word "click."

Using Concrete Examples When Making Abstract Claims

My upbringing has numbed me to unpredictability and chaos. With a family of seven, my home was loud, messy, and spottily supervised. My siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing—all meant my house was functioning normally.

"Unpredictability and chaos" are very abstract, not easily visualized concepts. They could also mean any number of things—violence, abandonment, poverty, mental instability. By instantly following up with highly finite and unambiguous illustrations like "family of seven" and "siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing," Stephen grounds the abstraction in something that is easy to picture: a large, noisy family.

Using Small Bits of Humor and Casual Word Choice

My Dad, a retired Navy pilot, was away half the time. When he was home, he had a parenting style something like a drill sergeant. At the age of nine, I learned how to clear burning oil from the surface of water. My Dad considered this a critical life skill—you know, in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed.

Obviously, knowing how to clean burning oil is not high on the list of things every 9-year-old needs to know. To emphasize this, Stephen uses sarcasm by bringing up a situation that is clearly over-the-top: "in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed."

The humor also feels relaxed. Part of this is because he introduces it with the colloquial phrase "you know," so it sounds like he is talking to us in person. This approach also diffuses the potential discomfort of the reader with his father's strictness—since he is making jokes about it, clearly he is OK. Notice, though, that this doesn't occur very much in the essay. This helps keep the tone meaningful and serious rather than flippant.

An Ending That Stretches the Insight Into the Future

But one day this fall, Dr. Hicks, our Head of School, asked me a question that he hoped all seniors would reflect on throughout the year: "How can I participate in a thing I do not govern, in the company of people I did not choose?"

The ending of the essay reveals that Stephen's life has been one long preparation for the future. He has emerged from chaos and his dad's approach to parenting as a person who can thrive in a world that he can't control.

This connection of past experience to current maturity and self-knowledge is a key element in all successful personal essays. Colleges are very much looking for mature, self-aware applicants. These are the qualities of successful college students, who will be able to navigate the independence college classes require and the responsibility and quasi-adulthood of college life.

What Could This Essay Do Even Better?

Even the best essays aren't perfect, and even the world's greatest writers will tell you that writing is never "finished"—just "due." So what would we tweak in this essay if we could?

Replace some of the clichéd language. Stephen uses handy phrases like "twists and turns" and "don't sweat the small stuff" as a kind of shorthand for explaining his relationship to chaos and unpredictability. But using too many of these ready-made expressions runs the risk of clouding out your own voice and replacing it with something expected and boring.

Use another example from recent life. Stephen's first example (breaking into the van in Laredo) is a great illustration of being resourceful in an unexpected situation. But his essay also emphasizes that he "learned to adapt" by being "different things to different people." It would be great to see how this plays out outside his family, either in the situation in Laredo or another context.

Example 2: By Renner Kwittken, Tufts Class of '23 (Common App Essay, 645 words long)

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver. I saw it in my favorite book, Richard Scarry's "Cars and Trucks and Things That Go," and for some reason, I was absolutely obsessed with the idea of driving a giant pickle. Much to the discontent of my younger sister, I insisted that my parents read us that book as many nights as possible so we could find goldbug, a small little golden bug, on every page. I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon.

Then I discovered a real goldbug: gold nanoparticles that can reprogram macrophages to assist in killing tumors, produce clear images of them without sacrificing the subject, and heat them to obliteration.

Suddenly the destination of my pickle was clear.

I quickly became enveloped by the world of nanomedicine; I scoured articles about liposomes, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, targeting ligands, and self-assembling nanoparticles, all conquering cancer in some exotic way. Completely absorbed, I set out to find a mentor to dive even deeper into these topics. After several rejections, I was immensely grateful to receive an invitation to work alongside Dr. Sangeeta Ray at Johns Hopkins.

In the lab, Dr. Ray encouraged a great amount of autonomy to design and implement my own procedures. I chose to attack a problem that affects the entire field of nanomedicine: nanoparticles consistently fail to translate from animal studies into clinical trials. Jumping off recent literature, I set out to see if a pre-dose of a common chemotherapeutic could enhance nanoparticle delivery in aggressive prostate cancer, creating three novel constructs based on three different linear polymers, each using fluorescent dye (although no gold, sorry goldbug!). Though using radioactive isotopes like Gallium and Yttrium would have been incredible, as a 17-year-old, I unfortunately wasn't allowed in the same room as these radioactive materials (even though I took a Geiger counter to a pair of shoes and found them to be slightly dangerous).

I hadn't expected my hypothesis to work, as the research project would have ideally been led across two full years. Yet while there are still many optimizations and revisions to be done, I was thrilled to find -- with completely new nanoparticles that may one day mean future trials will use particles with the initials "RK-1" -- thatcyclophosphamide did indeed increase nanoparticle delivery to the tumor in a statistically significant way.

A secondary, unexpected research project was living alone in Baltimore, a new city to me, surrounded by people much older than I. Even with moving frequently between hotels, AirBnB's, and students' apartments, I strangely reveled in the freedom I had to enjoy my surroundings and form new friendships with graduate school students from the lab. We explored The Inner Harbor at night, attended a concert together one weekend, and even got to watch the Orioles lose (to nobody's surprise). Ironically, it's through these new friendships I discovered something unexpected: what I truly love is sharing research. Whether in a presentation or in a casual conversation, making others interested in science is perhaps more exciting to me than the research itself. This solidified a new pursuit to angle my love for writing towards illuminating science in ways people can understand, adding value to a society that can certainly benefit from more scientific literacy.

It seems fitting that my goals are still transforming: in Scarry's book, there is not just one goldbug, there is one on every page. With each new experience, I'm learning that it isn't the goldbug itself, but rather the act of searching for the goldbugs that will encourage, shape, and refine my ever-evolving passions. Regardless of the goldbug I seek -- I know my pickle truck has just begun its journey.

Renner takes a somewhat different approach than Stephen, but their essay is just as detailed and engaging. Let's go through some of the strengths of this essay.

One Clear Governing Metaphor

This essay is ultimately about two things: Renner’s dreams and future career goals, and Renner’s philosophy on goal-setting and achieving one’s dreams.

But instead of listing off all the amazing things they’ve done to pursue their dream of working in nanomedicine, Renner tells a powerful, unique story instead. To set up the narrative, Renner opens the essay by connecting their experiences with goal-setting and dream-chasing all the way back to a memorable childhood experience:

This lighthearted–but relevant!--story about the moment when Renner first developed a passion for a specific career (“finding the goldbug”) provides an anchor point for the rest of the essay. As Renner pivots to describing their current dreams and goals–working in nanomedicine–the metaphor of “finding the goldbug” is reflected in Renner’s experiments, rejections, and new discoveries.

Though Renner tells multiple stories about their quest to “find the goldbug,” or, in other words, pursue their passion, each story is connected by a unifying theme; namely, that as we search and grow over time, our goals will transform…and that’s okay! By the end of the essay, Renner uses the metaphor of “finding the goldbug” to reiterate the relevance of the opening story:

While the earlier parts of the essay convey Renner’s core message by showing, the final, concluding paragraph sums up Renner’s insights by telling. By briefly and clearly stating the relevance of the goldbug metaphor to their own philosophy on goals and dreams, Renner demonstrates their creativity, insight, and eagerness to grow and evolve as the journey continues into college.

An Engaging, Individual Voice

This essay uses many techniques that make Renner sound genuine and make the reader feel like we already know them.

Technique #1: humor. Notice Renner's gentle and relaxed humor that lightly mocks their younger self's grand ambitions (this is different from the more sarcastic kind of humor used by Stephen in the first essay—you could never mistake one writer for the other).

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver.

I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon.

Renner gives a great example of how to use humor to your advantage in college essays. You don’t want to come off as too self-deprecating or sarcastic, but telling a lightheartedly humorous story about your younger self that also showcases how you’ve grown and changed over time can set the right tone for your entire essay.

Technique #2: intentional, eye-catching structure. The second technique is the way Renner uses a unique structure to bolster the tone and themes of their essay . The structure of your essay can have a major impact on how your ideas come across…so it’s important to give it just as much thought as the content of your essay!

For instance, Renner does a great job of using one-line paragraphs to create dramatic emphasis and to make clear transitions from one phase of the story to the next:

Suddenly the destination of my pickle car was clear.

Not only does the one-liner above signal that Renner is moving into a new phase of the narrative (their nanoparticle research experiences), it also tells the reader that this is a big moment in Renner’s story. It’s clear that Renner made a major discovery that changed the course of their goal pursuit and dream-chasing. Through structure, Renner conveys excitement and entices the reader to keep pushing forward to the next part of the story.

Technique #3: playing with syntax. The third technique is to use sentences of varying length, syntax, and structure. Most of the essay's written in standard English and uses grammatically correct sentences. However, at key moments, Renner emphasizes that the reader needs to sit up and pay attention by switching to short, colloquial, differently punctuated, and sometimes fragmented sentences.

Even with moving frequently between hotels, AirBnB's, and students' apartments, I strangely reveled in the freedom I had to enjoy my surroundings and form new friendships with graduate school students from the lab. We explored The Inner Harbor at night, attended a concert together one weekend, and even got to watch the Orioles lose (to nobody's surprise). Ironically, it's through these new friendships I discovered something unexpected: what I truly love is sharing research.

In the examples above, Renner switches adeptly between long, flowing sentences and quippy, telegraphic ones. At the same time, Renner uses these different sentence lengths intentionally. As they describe their experiences in new places, they use longer sentences to immerse the reader in the sights, smells, and sounds of those experiences. And when it’s time to get a big, key idea across, Renner switches to a short, punchy sentence to stop the reader in their tracks.

The varying syntax and sentence lengths pull the reader into the narrative and set up crucial “aha” moments when it’s most important…which is a surefire way to make any college essay stand out.

Renner's essay is very strong, but there are still a few little things that could be improved.

Connecting the research experiences to the theme of “finding the goldbug.”  The essay begins and ends with Renner’s connection to the idea of “finding the goldbug.” And while this metaphor is deftly tied into the essay’s intro and conclusion, it isn’t entirely clear what Renner’s big findings were during the research experiences that are described in the middle of the essay. It would be great to add a sentence or two stating what Renner’s big takeaways (or “goldbugs”) were from these experiences, which add more cohesion to the essay as a whole.

Give more details about discovering the world of nanomedicine. It makes sense that Renner wants to get into the details of their big research experiences as quickly as possible. After all, these are the details that show Renner’s dedication to nanomedicine! But a smoother transition from the opening pickle car/goldbug story to Renner’s “real goldbug” of nanoparticles would help the reader understand why nanoparticles became Renner’s goldbug. Finding out why Renner is so motivated to study nanomedicine–and perhaps what put them on to this field of study–would help readers fully understand why Renner chose this path in the first place.

4 Essential Tips for Writing Your Own Essay

How can you use this discussion to better your own college essay? Here are some suggestions for ways to use this resource effectively.

#1: Get Help From the Experts

Getting your college applications together takes a lot of work and can be pretty intimidatin g. Essays are even more important than ever now that admissions processes are changing and schools are going test-optional and removing diversity standards thanks to new Supreme Court rulings .  If you want certified expert help that really makes a difference, get started with  PrepScholar’s Essay Editing and Coaching program. Our program can help you put together an incredible essay from idea to completion so that your application stands out from the crowd. We've helped students get into the best colleges in the United States, including Harvard, Stanford, and Yale.  If you're ready to take the next step and boost your odds of getting into your dream school, connect with our experts today .

#2: Read Other Essays to Get Ideas for Your Own

As you go through the essays we've compiled for you above, ask yourself the following questions:

• Can you explain to yourself (or someone else!) why the opening sentence works well?
• Look for the essay's detailed personal anecdote. What senses is the author describing? Can you easily picture the scene in your mind's eye?
• Find the place where this anecdote bridges into a larger insight about the author. How does the essay connect the two? How does the anecdote work as an example of the author's characteristic, trait, or skill?
• Check out the essay's tone. If it's funny, can you find the places where the humor comes from? If it's sad and moving, can you find the imagery and description of feelings that make you moved? If it's serious, can you see how word choice adds to this tone?

Make a note whenever you find an essay or part of an essay that you think was particularly well-written, and think about what you like about it . Is it funny? Does it help you really get to know the writer? Does it show what makes the writer unique? Once you have your list, keep it next to you while writing your essay to remind yourself to try and use those same techniques in your own essay.

#3: Find Your "A-Ha!" Moment

All of these essays rely on connecting with the reader through a heartfelt, highly descriptive scene from the author's life. It can either be very dramatic (did you survive a plane crash?) or it can be completely mundane (did you finally beat your dad at Scrabble?). Either way, it should be personal and revealing about you, your personality, and the way you are now that you are entering the adult world.

Check out essays by authors like John Jeremiah Sullivan , Leslie Jamison , Hanif Abdurraqib , and Esmé Weijun Wang to get more examples of how to craft a compelling personal narrative.

#4: Start Early, Revise Often

Let me level with you: the best writing isn't writing at all. It's rewriting. And in order to have time to rewrite, you have to start way before the application deadline. My advice is to write your first draft at least two months before your applications are due.

Let it sit for a few days untouched. Then come back to it with fresh eyes and think critically about what you've written. What's extra? What's missing? What is in the wrong place? What doesn't make sense? Don't be afraid to take it apart and rearrange sections. Do this several times over, and your essay will be much better for it!

For more editing tips, check out a style guide like Dreyer's English or Eats, Shoots & Leaves .

What's Next?

Still not sure which colleges you want to apply to? Our experts will show you how to make a college list that will help you choose a college that's right for you.

Interested in learning more about college essays? Check out our detailed breakdown of exactly how personal statements work in an application , some suggestions on what to avoid when writing your essay , and our guide to writing about your extracurricular activities .

Working on the rest of your application? Read what admissions officers wish applicants knew before applying .

The recommendations in this post are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Anna scored in the 99th percentile on her SATs in high school, and went on to major in English at Princeton and to get her doctorate in English Literature at Columbia. She is passionate about improving student access to higher education.

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How To Being A Good Student Essay

Being a good student is a lot more than simply good grades. A lot of students would consider themselves an awesome student, so what does it mean to be a good student in the classroom and in the community? A good student will have a desire to learn and explore new things. They should be truthful academically. For instance, he or she would never present work done by others as if it were his or her work nor would they ever cheat on a test. There are several ways a student can set out from the rest of the class. These students are recognized by their attitude, intellectual skills, perception, and achievement. 

A good attitude is expected in the classroom setting. Attitude is a genuine desire to learn. It is also shown by how well you apply yourself to all subjects even in which case you do not really like the subject. Having a good attitude will help you perceive things in a different light. You will begin to understand that a good attitude can go a long way. Always be consistent, never miss a day of class. Doing your best in school should be your top priority. No one else can help reach the goal of having a good attitude, only you are to decide and make it a routine.

Intellectual skills are a must when being an excellent student. This skill includes being able to read and understand, effective study habits, and the ability to communicate clearly and fluently. Being able to comprehend while being taught will help you learn at a fast rate. Another commonly recognized intellectual skill is critical thinking which is the ability to analyze and interpret information. Other skills related to intellectual skills include setting goals and planning different ways to approach the problem. 

Perception is another useful aspect of being an awesome student in the classroom. He or she must be aware of the world around them. It should be important to be up to date on what is going on academically, politically, socially, and spiritually. Being aware and paying close attention as a wonderful trait to have. Its something you will need and maintain to learn and use.

Achievement is demonstrated by successful understanding. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and meaning. Having goals in a classroom setting, or a community setting, is always a smart idea. Good students ask questions and are curious. They are excited to be there and ready to flourish in whatever subject they are learning.  Students that are determined are easy to teach. Students that want to be at school, want to understand, want to be successful. 

Students are recognized by their attitude, intellectual skills, perception, and achievement. 

How to become a good student in the classroom and the environment is a competitive environment. Some of the skills throughout the essay can only be learned. Prioritizing your life is key. Always be sure to study, attend class, and have a good attitude about the subject being taught.

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Essay on Qualities Of A Successful Student

Students are often asked to write an essay on Qualities Of A Successful Student in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Qualities Of A Successful Student

Introduction.

A successful student isn’t just someone who gets good grades. They also show certain qualities that make them stand out. These traits help them excel not only in academics but also in life.

Self-Discipline

A successful student has self-discipline. They manage their time well, prioritize tasks, and avoid procrastination. This helps them complete assignments on time and study regularly, leading to better grades.

Curiosity is another key trait. Successful students have a thirst for knowledge. They ask questions, seek answers, and are always eager to learn new things. This helps them understand and remember lessons better.

Determination

Determination is critical. Successful students don’t give up easily. They face challenges head-on and work hard to overcome them. This determination helps them achieve their academic goals.

Respectfulness

Successful students are respectful. They listen to their teachers and classmates, value their opinions, and treat everyone with kindness. This creates a positive learning environment.

In conclusion, a successful student has self-discipline, curiosity, determination, and respectfulness. These qualities help them excel in school and prepare them for future success.

250 Words Essay on Qualities Of A Successful Student

Being a successful student is not just about getting high grades. One of the most important qualities is hard work. A student who works hard knows that learning takes time and effort. They do not give up easily and are always ready to put in the extra time to understand their lessons.

Time Management

Another key quality is time management. A successful student knows how to plan their day. They make sure they have enough time for studying, doing homework, and rest. They understand that every minute counts and use their time wisely.

Curiosity is also a significant quality. A curious student is always eager to learn new things. They ask questions and try to find answers. They are not afraid of making mistakes because they know that mistakes are part of learning.

Respect is another important quality. A successful student respects their teachers, classmates, and themselves. They listen to others and value their opinions. They treat everyone with kindness and fairness.

Responsibility

Lastly, responsibility is a vital quality. A successful student takes charge of their learning. They complete their assignments on time and prepare for exams well in advance. They understand that their success depends on their actions.

In conclusion, being a successful student is about more than just getting good grades. It involves working hard, managing time, being curious, showing respect, and taking responsibility. These qualities not only help in school but also in life.

500 Words Essay on Qualities Of A Successful Student

A successful student is not defined only by their grades, but also by their habits, skills, and attitude towards learning. There are several qualities that contribute to a student’s success. Let’s explore these qualities in detail.

Hard Work and Diligence

Hard work is one of the most important qualities of a successful student. Success does not come easy; it requires dedication and effort. Successful students understand that they need to put in the time and effort to understand and learn new concepts. They do not shy away from challenges but face them head-on, knowing that it is an opportunity to grow.

Curiosity and Love for Learning

Successful students have a deep love for learning. They are always curious and eager to know more. This quality drives them to explore new topics, ask questions, and seek answers. Their thirst for knowledge helps them to excel in their studies and beyond.

Good time management is another crucial quality. Successful students know how to balance their time between studies, hobbies, rest, and other activities. They plan their day well, ensuring they have enough time for each task. They understand that time is precious and make the most of it.

Responsibility and Discipline

Successful students are responsible and disciplined. They take ownership of their learning, completing assignments on time, and preparing well for exams. They understand the importance of following rules and maintaining discipline, both in and out of the classroom.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from failures and setbacks. Successful students understand that failure is a part of the learning process. They do not get disheartened by poor grades or difficult subjects. Instead, they learn from their mistakes, pick themselves up, and try again.

Good Communication Skills

Good communication skills are vital for a successful student. They need to express their ideas clearly, both in writing and speaking. This helps them to share their thoughts, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions with teachers and classmates.

In conclusion, being a successful student is about more than just getting good grades. It’s about having a positive attitude towards learning, working hard, managing time well, being responsible and disciplined, being resilient, and having good communication skills. These qualities not only help students succeed in school but also prepare them for success in life. Remember, success is not an overnight achievement, but a result of consistent efforts and the right attitude.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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How to Become an Excellent Student

Last Updated: March 22, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Ashley Pritchard, MA . Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,123,070 times.

Being an excellent student has more benefits than just getting good grades . In the short term, it will make you a more appealing college candidate and you may even qualify for some hefty scholarships. In the long term, the skills you learn at school will stick with you for the rest of your life, helping you tackle any problem that comes your way.

Studying and Learning Efficiently

• If you can’t find a quiet place to study, wear noise cancellation headphones (but don’t play any music).
• Find time to study when most of your peers are doing something else. For instance, if you finish lunch early, head to the library or any other quiet place that won’t be too crowded.

• If you are still procrastinating, ask a friend or family member to keep you accountable. You could say something like, “Could you check on me in an hour to make sure I’m still studying?”
• Repeat positive affirmations to yourself if you feel like you’re struggling to understand something. For example, you might tell yourself: “I can master these equations!” and/or “I am going to ace this test!”

Ashley Pritchard, MA

Remind yourself of your goals to stay motivated and on track to success. Whether you want to get a higher GPA for a semester, graduate at the top of your class, or pass a test, keeping a clear vision of what you want will help you to remain on the path to achieving it. Check-in with yourself often to see how your goal is coming along and think of new ways to stay on track.

Tip: Do some light stretches on your break to re-energize yourself. For instance, stretch out your back, legs, and arms or do some light floor aerobics like lunges , jumping jacks, or squats (especially if you’ve been sitting for a long period of time).

• Use a highlighter to draw attention to important information or write your questions on sticky notes.

• If you’re struggling to raise a low grade, ask your teacher if there’s anything you can do for extra credit. They’ll be impressed by your dedication!

• If you play sports or do any extracurricular activities, let your coach or teacher know that you might need to leave early or arrive a little late to make time for your studies. If your attendance is mandatory (like for theatre performances or championship sports games), plan your study time around the event.
• Don’t forget to pencil in small breaks to allow your brain some resting time!

• For instance, if you’re studying for algebra, have a friend write out some equations for you to solve. Time yourself if you struggle with time management during test-taking.
• For Language Arts courses, practicing writing paragraphs using relevant vocabulary words and varied sentence structures. Make it fun by writing a review of your favorite movie or jotting down your opinions on something you’re interested in.

• Read something you like to get you into it. If you have a friend who likes to read, ask them for recommendations.
• Go to your school or local library and ask the librarian for recommendations based on your likes and dislikes in other mediums. For instance, you might say, “I really love superhero and mystery movies, do you have any books that have those kinds of themes?”

• Try to come up with as many ideas as you can. If you are stuck, do some research for more information.
• Think of this exercise as a form of word or idea association.

Being Organized

• Paste a copy of your class schedule somewhere in your house where you’ll see it everyday. Write reminders to bring certain items certain days. That way, you’ll know exactly what class you have and what materials you’ll need.

Tip: Packing up before going to bed means you won’t feel rushed in the morning and accidentally forget something.

• This means putting your math papers in your math folder, your Language Arts papers in your Language Arts folder, your science papers in your science folder, and so on.
• Use color coding or label your folders and place them into either your desk or backpack neatly. This way, you will have an easier time searching for your folders and will have more time to review what you have learned yesterday.
• If you like, you can also place bookmarks in all of your folders to make them easier to be found when you take your folders home.

• Write down any other reminders (birthdays, special materials for classes, study group dates/times) in the “notes” section of your planner.

• For example, one drawer can be dedicated to writing utensils, another can hold hole punchers and staplers, and a third can store extra printer paper, journals, and folders.
• If you don’t have a desk with drawers, use table-top paper racks, pencil holders, shoe boxes, and/or storage bins to keep like items together.

Being Attentive in Class

• For example, if the teacher says the definition of “ransack” is “to search through in a way that causes disorder,” you might write: “ransack: to pillage—like a pirate!”
• The more questions you ask, the more you’ll know about a certain topic.
• Teachers expect you to ask questions and form an impression of you based on how willing you are to do so. In some cases, class participation also counts toward your overall grade.
• Concentrate on staying focused. Keep your eyes on the teacher, keep your ears open, and keep taking notes. Sit in the front row if you’re prone to distractions.

Alicia Oglesby

Push yourself to participate in class. It’s understandably hard for shy students to speak up in class, but try and find ways to boost your participation. Let your teacher know privately if you're struggling to speak up in class. You can also wait to ask questions one-on-one after class.

• If you see your friends passing notes, don’t engage. Whatever you have to say can wait until after class.
• If friends constantly try to distract you, don't be mean! Just tell them you are working and say you will talk later during recess or lunch. They'll understand and may even feel the same way themselves.

Tip: If you have a test coming up, review your notes right before you go to bed and then go through them again first thing in the morning. The more you look at them, the more you’ll remember the information.

• Avoid looking at your phone or watching television for an hour or two before bedtime. Do something relaxing like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or drawing.
• Avoid relying on caffeine to perk you up from a sleepless night. You may feel more energized after lots of coffee or an energy drink, but you won’t be able to focus nearly as well due to underlying sleep deprivation. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Tip: Fats containing omega 3 fatty acids are especially helpful for cognitive functioning. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Good sources include fatty fish, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, spinach, and basil.

Doing Your Homework

• If your homework involves hand-written answers, write as legibly as possible using your teacher’s preferred tool (black/blue ink pen or pencil).
• Don’t rush it and check over your work when you’re finished.

• Sometimes teachers will deduct points for late assignments, and some won’t accept late work at all! Look at your syllabus to find out the penalty for late work.

• Make sure your goals are reasonable and achievable. For instance, a reasonable goal would be: “I will read the first 20 pages of the text before taking a break and finishing the last 20 pages.” An example of an unrealistic goal is: “I’m going to finish the entire book tonight before I can do anything else.

• Grammatical errors
• Legible handwriting
• Relevance (i.e., you’ve addressed the questions/topic/prompt)
• Depth of understanding (i.e., your work displays that you understand the concepts at hand)

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Community Q&A

• Different people concentrate better at different times of the day. Try to find the time you concentrate better, even if it means having occasional breaks to refresh your memory. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• While studying, don't keep yourself at home the whole day. Instead, take a 5-15 minute break outside. This will help you focus better when you get back to your studies. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• If you're struggling to remember the material the day before exams, take a deep breath, and do something fun to get your brain to relax. Try not to overwork yourself the day before, and make sure you get at least 10 hours of sleep. If you're able, do a practice test, spot the mistakes, and try to learn from them.
• Be kind to yourself and know that if you don't score the way you want, you can always learn from them and improve. It's okay to make mistakes as long as you try your best.
• If possible, check your grades at least twice a week to stay on top of it. Ask your teacher for extra credit or follow-up with them if they forgot to add in assignments.

• Do not cheat on tests, homework or projects. The consequences can range from failing the assignment to an expulsion. Thanks Helpful 53 Not Helpful 3
• Don't freak out if you get a bad grade on a paper. Everyone gets bad grades once in a while; even the high-level students don't achieve good marks for everything. It's not the end of the world, just move on and try your best. Thanks Helpful 106 Not Helpful 11
• Stay on top of your grades. If your school has online grades, check them once a week or after big assignments. That way you aren't surprised when you get your progress report, and will know if you forgot to turn something in, if you need to work extra hard to pass the course, or if the grade has been entered incorrectly. Thanks Helpful 59 Not Helpful 7

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://opentextbc.ca/studentsuccess/chapter/learning-environment/
• ↑ https://www.educationcorner.com/habits-of-successful-students.html
• ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1745691612447308
• ↑ https://regionalcollegepa.org/how-to-be-a-successful-student-during-a-pandemic/
• ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4610292/
• ↑ https://www.qualitymatters.org/qa-resources/resource-center/articles-resources/mind-maps
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
• ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/effective-note-taking-in-class/
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6292246/
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805706/

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Home › Study Tips › How To Write an Academic Essay? 9 Amazing Tips

100 Essay Writing Tips for Students (How to write a good essay)

• Published September 7, 2022

Table of Contents

Are you searching for the best tips to create the most compelling essay? We’ve compiled some of the best essay writing tips so that you don’t have to search far and wide to learn how to write a good essay. Take a look at these top 100 essay writing tips!

100 Essay Writing Tips

#1 Analyse the question 

#2 Define your argument

#3 Use reputable sources of evidence to support your claims (i.e. not Wikipedia)

#4 Share different perspectives

#5 On draft number 1, don’t worry about spelling, punctuation or grammar!

#6 Rewrite draft 2 on a new blank document 

#7 Use transitional phrases and words 

#8 Divide your essay into three main parts: introduction, main body, conclusion

#9 End your essay on a relevant quote 

#10 Check your spelling, punctuation and grammar in your final draft 

#11 Cite your sources correctly (check the guidelines or ask your teacher)

#12 Avoid using conjunctions at the start of sentences e.g. And / But / Also

#13 Put direct quotes in quotation marks, citing them correctly

#14 Avoid plagiarism (your teacher or the marker will know if you have copied)

#15 Rephrase your research – put it into your own words

#16 Avoid the repetition of phrases and words

#17 Use a thesaurus to find synonyms for words you have used often 

#18 Provide statistics to support your claims

#19 Include facts to support your arguments 

#20 Use emotive language where appropriate to write a compelling argument

#21 Avoid spending too much time on your introduction and conclusion 

#22 Get somebody else to proofread it

#23 Get feedback from friends and family (or even a teacher)

#24 Don’t be afraid to delete irrelevant points and evidence 

#25 Avoid slang and colloquial language 

#26 Use formal language throughout your essay 

#27 Double space your essay (check essay requirements to ensure you format it correctly)

#28 Use appropriate titles and headings 

#29 Use an appropriate font (Times New Roman, size 12 is the most common, acceptable font)

#30 Avoid images unless you have been asked to use them 

#31 Avoid talking about yourself or providing anecdotal information 

#32 Avoid cliches, try to be original in your writing 

#33 Keep your introduction and conclusion short 

#34 Stick to the word count (universities usually allow 10% over or under)

#35 Distribute the word count appropriately across your introduction, main body and conclusion (e.g. 10/80/10)

#36 Read it out loud to spot errors 

#37 Make sure your writing is clear and concise 

#38 Avoid citing sources in your bibliography that are irrelevant 

#39 Use grammar checking software to check for grammar errors

#40 Don’t depend solely on grammar checking software (because it’s a computer, it may get context wrong)

#41 Read your work critically – have you answered the question?

#42 Don’t get distracted by what you WANT to write, focus on answering the question

#43 Check the grading criteria and set your goals – if you want an A, what do you need to do to get there?

#44 Create a checklist based on the grading criteria

#45 Create a timetable to write your essay and plan your time wisely

#46 Plan your writing during times when you’re least likely to get disturbed

#47 Work in a place where you are least likely to get distracted 

#48 Write your essay in 25-minute increments and take a break after each one

#49 Have snacks and refreshments to hand

#50 Take a break after writing each draft, for example, 2 days where you don’t look at it (this will allow you to process information and go back to your essay with fresh eyes)

#51 Remember that stress doesn’t help – you’re most likely going to write well when you’re the least stressed. 

#52 If you’re struggling to write your essay at home, do it in a study group or at the library. You’ll likely be more productive surrounded by other people who are working, too. 

#53 Don’t leave it to the last minute – write several drafts in good time

#54 Plan your final week to work on formatting only (do the bulk of the work way before the final week)

#55 Swap work with a friend and give each other feedback, or do this in a group

#56 Make sure you know the submission criteria way before submitting e.g. the format of your essay, rules for submission, etc.

#57 Define the type of essay you’re writing – is it argumentative, persuasive, expository, admissions, compare/contrast, analytical or narrative? 

#58 Brainstorm the essay before writing it

#59 Keep your notes handy 

#60 Identify the gaps in your knowledge before writing 

#61 Before you begin writing, do as much productive research as you can

#62 Read relevant books and reputable articles to learn more about your topic

#63 Write notes in the form of short answers to your question, it will be easier to put them into your essay later on 

#64 If you’re finding it difficult to answer the question, more research is needed 

#65 Identify your WHY – Why do you need to write this essay? What will happen if you get an A or win the essay competition? Why is it important to you? 

#66 When essay writing is becoming a struggle, remember your WHY to keep motivated 

#67 In your introduction, remember to clearly state your topic and your main points 

#68 Avoid explaining your points in your introduction (you do that in the main body)

#69 For every point or opinion you introduce, be sure to include some evidence and an explanation

#70 Avoid filling your essay up with opinions with no supporting evidence

#71 Explain your points clearly and concisely 

#72 Stay on topic 

#73 When proofreading, consider if the essay sparks the reader’s interest. If it doesn’t, see what you can do to improve this. 

#74 Double check you have used paragraphs correctly 

#75 Ensure each argument has a single focus and a clear connection to the thesis statement

#76 Ensure you have clear transitions between your sentences and paragraphs

#77 Ensure your essay has an informative and compelling style 

#78 Try using these phrases such as: In view of; in light of; considering

#79 Use one of the following sentence structure when writing about your evidence “According to…” “…. stated that, “Referring to the views of…”

#80 Maintain an unbiased voice in your writing – your goal is to present some intriguing arguments to the reader

#81 Try using phrases such as “In order to…”, “To that end…”,  “To this end…”

#82 Use phrases like these to emphasize a point: In other words; to put it another way; that is; to put it more simply

#83 Other phrases you could use are: Similarly; likewise; another key fact to remember; as well as; an equally significant aspect of

#84 When comparing ideas or opinions, use phrases such as: By contrast; in comparison; then again; that said; yet

#85 Use these phrases to demonstrate a positive aspect of something: Despite this; provided that; nonetheless

#86 Another way to add contrast is using these phrases: Importantly; significantly; notably; another key point

#87 When giving examples, try using phrases like these: For instance; to give an illustration of; to exemplify; to demonstrate; as evidence; to elucidate

#88 Try using these phrases in your conclusion: In conclusion; to conclude; to summarise; in sum; in the final analysis; on close analysis

#89 This phrase can be used to highlight the most compelling argument in your research “the most compelling argument is…”

#90 When explaining the significance of something, use one of these phrases: Therefore; this suggests that; it can be seen that; the consequence is

#91 When summarizing, you can use some of these phrases: Above all; chiefly; especially; most significantly; it should be noted

#92 You might want to use the phrase “All things considered” when summarizing towards the end of your essay 

#93 Avoid using Wikipedia 

#94 Remember that the marker will always check to see if you have copied your work – so don’t do it

#95 Try your best

#96 Remember that writing an essay is also an opportunity to learn 

#97 Build your vocabulary while writing by using a dictionary to replace common words

#98 Make sure you understand the definition of the words you have used 

#99 Work hard but remember to take breaks 

#100 Submit your essay on time! 

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How to Start a College Essay: 5 Effective Techniques

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Impressionable Openers

Descriptions and demonstrations, show vulnerability, be authentic, stay personal, fun & quirky, common mistakes to avoid in your college essay.

• Ways to Overcome Writer's Block

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a College Essay

College essays are a huge part of your college career. If not huge, one of the biggest, and for someone who has been there and done that, I know the amount of pressure the beginning of a college essay, as well as the entire essay, can put on your shoulders.

Not only are you trying to juggle things like word count and grammar errors, but you're also trying to create the perfect college essay introduction that will attract admissions officers to your application or professors to your writing skills. And that, itself, can feel impossible, fill you with dread and self-doubt, but just breathe. I am here to help all present and future students know how to start a college essay.

Today is all about starting a college essay. I have come up with five easy and effective techniques that will help you create essays so good you're going to leave your readers wanting more , starting with your opening sentence! So, this is for all college students and college applicants. Stress no more! This guide was created to help you write a successful college essay. Let's get into it.

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The beginning of your essay should, first and foremost, always have a strong opening sentence . This sentence sets the tone for not only your readers but for the entire essay. Having a wobbly, almost interesting opener can steer an admissions officer and/or professor away, so you want it to be strong. And it doesn't have to be complicated! Less is more in this situation. Here are a couple of ways you can accomplish this.

• Look within and be relatable
• Use your real life for inspiration
• Think about ways to evoke emotion

Here are some examples of impressionable openers:

• Example 1: When I was 11 years old, my mother told me she had cancer over breakfast.
• Example 2: Maybe yellow isn't my favorite color.
• Example 3: I sat next to this girl in class who made me feel stupid.

DISCLAIMER : your opener should ALWAYS adhere to the essay prompts. These are just a few examples that can capture your reader's attention almost immediately.

In order to keep readers interested, visuals are key . Image-based descriptions will not only add value to your writing, it will give your readers front seats to your essay's journey. These descriptions let actions speak for themselves.

Here is an example of a description and demonstration in an essay:

• Example 1: "I was sitting on a bar stool when the word 'cancer' hit me like the smell of her coffee brewing on the stove. The Rice Krispies were popping in my cereal bowl, and MTV Jams was playing in the background, yet all I could hear was the sound of doom all around me. The lips of my mother were moving, but I was frozen, crumbling on this stool like my mother's health. She was sick, and I didn't know how sick or what that even meant, and that terrified me."

Why This Works:

Here you can clearly feel the writers emotional state: shocked, still, scared. Not only is this moment at breakfast traumatic, you feel frozen in time with the writer. Using descriptions like this will evoke so much emotion and leave your reader wanting more.

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Something one of my teachers told me in high school was any good essay will have personal elements in it, no matter the topic. That always stuck with me and became the way I approached my college essays. Showing vulnerability in your writing will always guarantee interest. It also evokes emotion.

You can show vulnerability by:

• Being honest
• Explaining what's going on inside underneath the exterior
• Describe what's going on around you at the moment
• Letting go of the fear of being seen
• Connecting with the topic
• Being transparent about mistakes/flaws

Examples of showing vulnerability:

• Example 1 : My mother telling me she had cancer over breakfast was not on my bingo card this year.
• Example 2 : I never thought losing someone I love would change me.
• Example 3: I had to lose everything in order to gain everything.

I know being vulnerable can be tough for some , but showing this side of you to college admissions officers and/or professors will not only make you stand out, but it can also help free you of things that might be weighing on your mind. Not to sound corny, but it can be therapeutic and make you a better writer . Just make sure you are staying on track with the essay prompt, and you're set!

Whether it's believed or not, an admissions officer wants to see pieces of you in your personal statement, so starting your essay by showing authenticity is a major major key. Along with being vulnerable, there are a few ways you can achieve this.

• Reflect : Take the time to reflect on your experiences, values, and beliefs that have shaped who you are today. Let your values, passions, and interests shine through in your writing.
• Mind Your Voice : Write in your own voice and avoid trying to sound like someone you're not. Authenticity comes from being genuine and true to yourself.
• Tell Your Story : Share personal anecdotes and insights that show your unique perspective.
• Be True to You : Focus on what matters to YOU (as long as you're on topic!). Write about what is meaningful and important to you rather than what you think admissions officers want to hear.

Above all, be open . Showing introspection and self-awareness in your essay will show any admissions committee who you are beneath the surface, as well as your personal growth.

You can also begin your essay being as random and silly as you'd like . It goes hand-in-hand with other important factors like vulnerability and authenticity. But don't get too crazy . Beginning your essay with something strange will definitely draw readers in. Let me show you what I mean.

• Example 1 : I start my mornings off in silence and solitude to keep people away from me.
• Example 2 : Sometimes, I like to circle big words in complex articles to learn new words. Yeah, but to also keep one in my back pocket for later use.
• Example 3 : Being the youngest child means getting away with everything you want, and that's exactly how I like it.

Do you see how each sentence draws you in? Not only are they light-hearted, but they also make you want to know why you want to keep people away in the morning and what kind of weapon you're forming against others with new words. And every youngest sibling will attest to feeling that exact same way. All of these examples are sure to make your essay fun, show who you are, and leave readers wanting more.

Years of writing college essays have taken me through every high and low of the process possible. And when they're good, they're great! But for some reason, my mistakes stick out more than anything. So, I've compiled a list of common mistakes to avoid when writing your college essay .

• Avoid Being Cliche - While you want to be captivating, you want to avoid overly used syntax and phrases that could potentially lose your reader's curiosity. For example, "in today's day and age," "follow my heart," "don't judge a book by its cover," etc. are all cliches that can be avoided by thinking outside of the box.
• Using Vocabulary to be Impressive - I know you want to impress the admissions committees, but it's important to stick to what you know and not what you can allude to. That is, use verbiage that resonates with your personality. Using extravagant words can work against you, and they can also sound forced. College admissions officers want to see the real you, so show it to them.
• Steer Clear of Controversy - Though it's not said enough, your college essay should tell your personal story and not touch on things that can stir the pot. For instance, talking about politics and religious beliefs may not be the route you want to take UNLESS it's called for in the college essay topic. And if so, stay on track with the essay prompts.
• Procrastinating : Waiting until the last minute to start writing your essay will bite you in the butt. You will feel rushed and end up writing a poorly crafted piece. Give yourself enough time to complete an essay draft, edit the draft, and repeat this two-step cycle until your essay is complete.
• Lack of originality : This goes hand-in-hand with avoiding cliches. Your college essay should exude a lot of your personality, so show admissions officers and teachers who you are! Include your cultural background, test scores that you're proud of, any future aspirations, etc. This all depends on the essay prompts, of course, but in my experience, every essay topic has room to show who you are.
• Ignoring the prompt : This is a major key. STAY ON TRACK. Make sure to carefully read and understand the essay prompt, and write your essay accordingly. The last thing you want to do is write a college essay that has nothing to do with the prompt. Reading is essential here.
• Lack of focus : If you want to know how to start a college essay, that means knowing how to stay focused. Find a quiet space, turn off electronics, hide your phone, and really nestle into how you want to capture your reader's attention. This will help you use your five senses clearly, keep your writing strong and not write an overly wordy essay. Focus is the tool here.
• Poor organization : Make sure your essay has a strong structure with clear transitions between paragraphs. An outline will work best to accomplish this. If you go into starting your college essay without a plan, be prepared to hit all roadblocks.
• Neglecting to Revise and Edit : Like procrastinating, don't fail to revise and edit your work. Always, always, always proofread your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors , as well as clarity and coherence.
• Not Seeking Feedback : Listen, I know that completing an essay is an accomplishment in itself, and you immediately want to submit it, but it's so beneficial to have others read your essay for feedback. You can only spot so many holes in your work when your eyes are constantly reviewing it, so a second, third, or even fourth set of eyes can help point out areas for improvement.

Above all, trust the writing process. Though I do want you to be aware of your jargon, don't get too wrapped up in thinking you're making a mistake. That's what editing is for! Once you complete your college essay, you should always revise and edit accordingly . What you thought sounded good might make you edit it to sound great. Just keep in mind that many colleges are looking for honesty and authenticity vs how well you can sound on paper . So, if you're aware of these factors, you'll be good to go.

Ways to Overcome Writer's Block

Take it from someone who has suffered from chronic writer's block, it's a pain to get through . Imagine being on a writing streak so good that when you stop, the entire essay writing process stops as a whole. It's definitely a challenge, but after 10 years of writing essays and really honing my craft, I learned a few things that have helped me get through even the thickest of writer's blocks, and I want to share them with you. Check them out:

• Take a break : This works every single time. Take a short break and step away from your computer to clear your mind and come back with a fresh perspective. For me, 15 minutes is all I ever need. If you need more time, that's okay. Just try not to make your break a rest.
• Freewriting : Sometimes, I'd start writing without worrying about my structure or grammar to get the ideas flowing, and surprisingly enough, I found my essay taking a pleasant turn.
• Change your environment : Move around. Don't underestimate the effects of a different location or workspace to stimulate creativity. Try coffee shops, bookstores, a park, or a new room in your house. New environment, new energy.
• Set small goals : This one is actually the most important. Some people get overwhelmed with the word "essay" for things like lack of proper writing skills, pressure to write a great essay, etc. But if you try breaking down your writing task into smaller, manageable chunks to make it less overwhelming, it can help. For example, set a goal of three paragraphs one day, take a day to edit those paragraphs, two more the next day, and so forth. Find a formula that works for you.
• Brainstorming : Write down all your ideas--everything. No matter how small you think the idea is, write it down. Even if these ideas seem unrelated, they will help you generate new thoughts and connections.
• Read or listen to music : It took me a while to realize this helps, but engaging in other forms of art can inspire new ideas and break through mental blocks. And new creativity can lead you to impress admissions officers.
• Talk it out : As a writer, it's hard to let people in on the creative process, but discussing my ideas with a friend, family member, or colleague helped me gain new perspectives and insights.
• Relax and Meditate : Hear me out: it works! Practice deep breathing and/or meditation to reduce stress and anxiety that may be contributing to writer's block.

I won't sugarcoat it: the college application process can be intimidating , but it doesn't have to throw you off your game. When it comes to college essays, I see them as opportunities to be fun and expressive. Trust me when I say if you have fun with it, you'll attract the reader's attention , paint vivid details, and write an essay that will leave the admissions officer wanting you at their school. So, take it one step at a time and watch your personal statement come to life.

How can I make my college essay stand out to admissions officers?

Simply put, be yourself. As long as you stay on track with the essay's topic, showing pieces of yourself will allow admissions officers to know more about who you are. Essays are meant to show readers who you are, how you feel, and what you think naturally, not robotically, so be authentic in your writing, and you'll be sure to stand out amongst the rest.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a college essay?

Some common mistakes to avoid in your essay are using cliches and boring wording. You also want to avoid procrastinating, wasting time, not focusing, not editing, etc. When writing your essay, you want to make sure you give your writing the time and attention it deserves, so make sure you're aware of what is pulling you away from your writing. This will help you stay focused. If you have any other doubts, refer to the section about mistakes in this article and let it guide you to success.

How important is the college essay in the admissions process?

Your college essay is key in the admissions process . It's an admissions committee's first impression of you as a writer and potential student, so it should be taken very seriously. Trying to cut corners or rush through the writing process will be obvious, and it will stand out more than things like test scores, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any other positive influence you've had in your life. So, don't take the easy way out and really work on your essay.

Feeling confident in your college essay skills and want to explore some other essay content? Explore our blog on the comma splice to enhance your technical writing skills!

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A Human-Centered Approach to Teaching Supports Student Growth

Rethinking homework and projects so that students can also focus on getting enough rest can transform the class environment.

As a human who teaches, in what ways does my teaching promote the physical, emotional, and spiritual growth of my students?

Often in conversations with other humans who teach, we focus on academic growth, or academic success. Many might argue that nurturing the intellectual development of students is part and parcel of our work. I do not disagree. This essential question is not an effort to move us away from nurturing the academic growth of students. Rather, I am joining the chorus of educators who have long called for us to think about our students’ growth more holistically. That is, what do students need to be well? What do they need to be happy? And what is our role in working with them to build happy, healthy lives? Thus, this question encourages us to expand our thinking.

In centering love, this question asks us how we can reimagine our classroom as a place in which we can nurture the physical, emotional, and spiritual growth of students. Physical growth speaks to working with students toward efforts to take better care of their physical bodies. This may look like working with them to make sure they have access to nutritious food, for example. Or perhaps it is making space during the school day for students to stretch, breathe, and engage in appropriate exercise. And it is always an invitation for us to remember that our students are humans with bodies that need and deserve proper care. Our classrooms should not get in the way of students’ physical growth.

Once, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Eli. Eli was a curious boy finding his way in a busy public middle school. We spent forty-five minutes together every day in my Spanish 1 class. After the first month of the school year, I noticed that Eli would drag into class every day. Quietly he would find his seat, and his head would crash down into his desk. It was patently obvious that Eli was exhausted. I was puzzled by this.

So after about a week of head crashing, I approached him after class and asked:

“Yo, Eli, what’s up?”

“Nothing. I’m good,” he replied.

“You don’t seem good. Is everything OK?”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m fine.”

“OK, I will trust you... but you seem exhausted,” I said. At first, Eli did not respond nor look at me.

After fifteen seconds, Eli looked into my eyes and raised his voice to say: “It’s this damn class! It’s just too much. We got homework and quizzes. And the vocabulary just keeps coming. Man, I can’t get ahead. So I stay up most nights working on your stuff until super late cuz I respect you. So I’m tired... but at least I have a good grade in this class, right?”

“Nah, Eli. That’s not OK,” I said. “And I appreciate you for sharing this.”

Eli was right. I was doing too much. I had weekly quizzes. I assigned homework after every class. I gave way too much vocabulary at a pace that was too fast. And the students seemed to be keeping up. Their grades raised no alarms. Everyone seemed content. However, Eli helped me see that my class might have been getting in the way of some of my students’ physical growth and that grades were not only the indicator for students’ well-being.

At first, my pride clouded my judgment and I was happy. It felt good to be respected enough that students would stay up all night to prioritize work for my class. But then I reflected on what I wanted for them as humans. Yes, I wanted them to be academically prepared; however, I also needed them to be rested. I needed them to be well. So I restructured my unit plan. I minimized homework by increasing practice time in class. This allowed me to eliminate homework assignments that served as practice and assign only homework that had to be completed outside of class.

In addition, I thought more intentionally about the space between large projects for my class, took into account large projects due for other classes, and incorporated mini checkpoints for large assignments to help students approach big projects in bite sizes. I also spent a considerable amount of time walking through the unit plan with students, emphasizing which weeks might have more expectations than others and sharing how they might prepare.

These are just a few changes I made so that students would not feel the pressure to forgo precious sleep to work on items related to my class. Many of my colleagues were not excited about my changes in an effort to make sure students had more time to sleep (and play) outside of school hours. I had colleagues that argued I should have a conversation with students about time management. Others told me that the real world does not care about sleep. And there were others who considered me soft and mentioned that now students would dislike their class because they had no intentions of “lightening the workload.” I heard their comments. I then shared that I would continue doing what made sense to me and my heart.

For humans, sleep is essential. And the hours of sleep we need each night vary by person, but according to recent studies, most young people between ages six and twelve need at least nine hours of sleep each night, and young people between ages thirteen and eighteen need at least eight hours of sleep each night (CDC 2020). And not getting these necessary hours of sleep most certainly affects students’ physical well-being and growth. I took this conversation back to my students, Eli’s peers, and he was not the only one who was spending a lot of time on my class outside of school hours.

.css-1ynlp5m{position:relative;width:100%;height:56px;margin-bottom:30px;content:'';} .css-2tyqqs *{display:inline-block;font-family:museoSlab-500,'Arial Narrow','Arial','Helvetica','sans-serif';font-size:24px;font-weight:500;line-height:34px;-webkit-letter-spacing:0.8px;-moz-letter-spacing:0.8px;-ms-letter-spacing:0.8px;letter-spacing:0.8px;}.css-2tyqqs *{display:inline-block;font-family:museoSlab-500,'Arial Narrow','Arial','Helvetica','sans-serif';font-size:24px;font-weight:500;line-height:34px;-webkit-letter-spacing:0.8px;-moz-letter-spacing:0.8px;-ms-letter-spacing:0.8px;letter-spacing:0.8px;} As a human who teaches, in what ways does my teaching promote the physical, emotional, and spiritual growth of my students? .css-1ycc0ui{display:inline-block !important;font-family:'canada-type-gibson','Arial','Verdana','sans-serif';font-size:14px;line-height:27px;-webkit-letter-spacing:0.8px;-moz-letter-spacing:0.8px;-ms-letter-spacing:0.8px;letter-spacing:0.8px;text-transform:uppercase;padding-top:24px;margin-bottom:0 !important;}.css-1ycc0ui::before{content:'—';margin-right:9px;color:black;font-size:inherit;} Shamari reid

This example is just one way in which I worked at making sure my classroom did not get in the way of students’ physical growth or them meeting their physical needs. Other examples of promoting students’ physical growth are encouraging students to stretch when needed; making sure they know they can and should drink water when needed; building time in my lessons to play light music while students rest their eyes and bodies; and constantly reminding them that taking care of their bodies is important and necessary. In fact, for older students I include language in our course overview about how important their physical well-being is to me and must be to them.

Promoting students’ emotional growth shows up in the ways in which I use our class time as a space where we can take breaks, breathe, process our emotions, engage in reflective journaling, and increase our self-awareness. This kind of growth nurturing often results in me infusing my curriculum with a variety of activities that encourage students to explore and honor their emotions. And in ways that are appropriate, I work with them to think through healthy ways to respond to these emotions. In early grades, I have had emotion time during morning meetings, in which students have shared how they felt, and as a community we’ve brainstormed healthy ways to engage with these feelings.

I do not pretend to be a therapist or licensed counselor. I am not advocating for educators to invite students to unearth trauma in class and then leave them alone to deal with it. Simply, this essential question is about making sure my classroom is a space where students can feel. I am intentional about normalizing our feelings as humans. I share with students that it is OK to cry, laugh, smile, be angry or disappointed, and experience a range of other human emotions. And it is healthy to understand how we can attend to those emotions in class, and what to do with the ones we cannot, and how to get additional help. Furthermore, my students have become very used to engaging with a range of materials on emotional well-being, reflection, and mindfulness. 

Humans Who Teach by Shamari Reid. Copyright © 2024 by Shamari Reid. Published by Heinemann, Portsmouth, NH. Reprinted by permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

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62 Best Research Opportunities for High School Students

June 2, 2024

Hands-on laboratory-based research experiences are coveted by just about every STEM-oriented teenager on the planet. Of course, this level of demand renders research opportunities for high school students a valuable and rare commodity. Fortunately, there are a number of reputable summer programs run by universities, government agencies, and private research laboratories that afford young scientists this highly sought-after experience. Research opportunities during the actual school year are more challenging to locate as colleges are, at that time, catering to their own students, and the rigidity of the high school calendar makes participation a further challenge.

What type of research opportunities can a high school student have, anyway?

Research opportunities for high school students can range from introductory to highly advanced. Some programs focus on teaching students the fundamental skills required for research while others place students with a real working research group and allow them to contribute to legitimate experiments and papers. Your level of involvement will depend on the university or organization’s policies, your mentor, your lab team, and the type of research being conducted.

What types of research experiences look best on college applications?

Authentic, laboratory-based research experiences that you get paid for are the hardest types of positions to nail down, primarily because very few of these spots are available. Moreover, such research groups are conducting serious work—consequently, they’re looking for serious, high-achieving students who will positively enhance their dynamic. Additionally, these positions typically require a longer time commitment, with students working full-time (or close to full-time) hours for several months or even years. As such, accepting one of these positions may limit the other types of summer opportunities that you can participate in. Finally, due to safety concerns and restrictions, you will likely need to be at least 16 years old to participate in many types of lab-based research.

On the flip side are research opportunities that you pay to be involved in, with some being more selective than others. Many families wonder if these programs offer legitimate research experience or are simply another way to capitalize off of the college admissions craze, and the answer is that you have to do your homework.

Although some research opportunities offer little in the way of experience, others are truly authentic opportunities to work with a mentor and delve into an area of interest for academic enrichment—no different than any other cost-based summer program. In these cases, the fact that a student prioritized their intellectual curiosity and spent several months seriously pursuing a topic of interest will be an excellent addition to their application. We’ve gone ahead and done the hard work for you—any one of the opportunities listed below is legitimate and worthy of investing your time and resources into.

How do I decide what types of research opportunities to apply for?

If conducting research is important to you, we recommend applying to a mix of highly selective and lesser selective programs to maximize your chances of being accepted to at least one. Beyond selectivity, it’s important to consider additional several factors:

• Time commitment —Some programs may require a multi-week, full-time commitment over the summer. Others may require nights and weekends during the school year.
• Time frame —Some programs are only available in the summer while others run year-round (sometimes for multiple years).
• Cost/stipend —Do you have to pay for the program, or does the program pay you? Research whether the program will be a good fit for your financial situation, including how much it costs and if you’ll receive compensation for your work, either via academic credit or a paycheck. Note that many residential programs are cost-based while commuter programs that only accept local students are more likely to be fully funded and/or offer a stipend.
• Location —Evaluate whether you’d like to attend a local program, are willing to travel to a residential program, or would prefer a virtual option.
• Level of mentor interaction —During some programs, you’ll be closely supported by PhD faculty members, while others may be run by graduate or postdoc students and require students to be more independent.
• Opportunity to publish or enter research competitions —If publishing research or submitting your project/paper to a research competition is important to you, you’ll want to look into whether the program prepares you for that venture.

Our list includes a bevy of summer program choices as well as year-long internships and apprenticeships. We’ve divided the list into three sections: Virtual, Residential/Multi-Location, and Location-Specific.

For each entry, we list the geographic location of the program, the time frame and length of the program, any associated costs or stipends, and the eligibility criteria for participation.

Virtual Research Opportunities for High School Students

Virtual research opportunities for high school students offer ultimate flexibility, in regard to time commitment as well as subject matter.

1) Polygence

• Location : Virtual
• Timeframe : Academic year and/or summer
• Length: 2-6 months
• Cost : $495-$3,695
• Eligibility: No age restrictions

For high school students who want to showcase authentic passion on their college applications, Polygence offers the most personalized and flexible online research program that helps students turn their interests into unique research projects. Accordingly, they pair intellectually curious students with PhD-level mentors to design experiments, build robots, create podcasts, write original screenplays, and publish in peer-reviewed journals in all fields from the humanities to STEM. All 1:1 programs include ten meetings with a mentor in your chosen field as well as a self-selected project topic and outcome, which could include a research paper, a prototype, or a creative piece of work.

A multitude of personalized options are available, including additional brainstorming sessions, time with a specialist who will guide the student through the publishing or research competition process, and academic credit through UCI x GATI. Moreover, Polygence’s Pods program allows students to work with like-minded peers in a group setting.

Sound like a good fit? College Transitions readers can save $50 on their Polygence package.

Research areas available include:

• Computer science, engineering, AI, & game design
• Biology, biotech, chemistry, neuroscience, and physics
• Medicine, surgery, dentistry, and public health
• Business, finance, and economics
• Math, statistics, sports analytics, and quantitative analysis
• Psychology, psychiatry, cognitive science, and social sciences
• Creative writing, history, philosophy, and literature
• Animation, the arts, fashion, photography, and dance

Residential/Multi-Location Research Programs

In the following section, we’ve outlined programs that are residential or offer opportunities in multiple locations, making them more accessible to a wider array of students.

Programs are organized alphabetically by discipline.

Biology Research Opportunities for High School Students

2) university of chicago research in the biological sciences (ribs).

• Location : Chicago, IL
• Timeframe : Summer
• Length: 4 weeks
• Cost : $14,000
• Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors

In UChicago’s highly selective RIBS program, students practice a range of molecular, microbiological, and cell biological research techniques. The goal? To prepare them to work in a research laboratory. Accordingly, for the first two weeks, students undergo basic training in lab skills and techniques. Then, they spend the final two weeks of the course immersed in an independent research project. At the end of the course, they present the project during a research forum. Moreover, students can expect weekly writing assignments and seminars. To be competitive, students should have a demonstrated interest in science as well as top grades in those classes.

Biomedical Research Programs for High School Students

3) rosetta institute of biomedical research molecular medicine workshops.

• Location : Berkeley; San Diego; Columbia; London; virtual
• Length: 2 weeks
• Cost : $3,580-$4,180 (residential); $2,280-$2,480 (commuter); $430-1,050 (online)
• Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18

Curious about biomedical research but not ready to pursue a full-blown lab internship? Rosetta Institute offers a number of residential and online two-week programs that introduce high schoolers to topics in medicine, drug development, pharmacy, and nursing. For example, current workshops include Medicinal Chemistry, Neurological Bioinformatics, and Molecular Biology of Cancer. All students are taught by PhD-level instructors and complete an original research project.

Chemistry Research Opportunities for High School Students

4) american chemical society — project seed.

• Location : Multiple
• Length: 8-10 weeks
• Cost : Free, and students receive a $4,000 stipend
• Eligibility: All high school students whose families meet annual income requirements, but preferably current sophomores, juniors, or seniors

Having been operational for more than fifty years, Project SEED (Summer Experiences for the Economically Disadvantaged) runs programs at over 350 institutions and has served over 12,000 students. The goal of the program is to empower a diverse cohort of high school students to conduct hands-on research experience in the chemical sciences. Accordingly, all students work full-time on meaningful independent or small group projects, are closely guided by a mentor, and either write a report or do a poster presentation at the end of their fellowship.

Genetics Research Opportunities for High School Students

5) jackson lab summer student program.

• Location : Bar Harbor, ME or Farmington, CT
• Length: 10 weeks
• Cost : Free, and students receive a $6,500 stipend plus funded room, board, and travel
• Eligibility: High school seniors can apply to the Bar Harbor program, while eligible undergrads can apply to either program.

Hoping to design and execute an original independent research project? You’ll be able to do just that through Jackson Lab’s Summer Student Program, which immerses students in one of seven areas: bioinformatics and computational biology, cancer, developmental biology and aging, genomics, immunology and infectious disease, metabolic diseases, and neurobiology and sensory deficits. Moreover, students are closely guided by a mentor and present their research at the end of the summer. Finally, the application process is intense and competitive, requiring two letters of recommendation, a transcript, a resume, evidence of a strong interest in genetics and genomics, and four essay responses.

Pre-Health Research Opportunities for High School Students

6) national institutes of health high school summer internship program.

• Location : Research groups are available at many of NIH’s 27 institutes and centers , including the main campus in Bethesda, MD
• Cost : Free; all students receive a stipend
• Eligibility: High school seniors age 17+

Through their HS-SIP Program, the National Institutes of Health places high school students in full-time research positions within their many active research groups. Subject areas include biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences, and are geared toward students who are interested in pursuing research and healthcare. Moreover, students can take part in Summer Poster Day, where they present their research to the NIH community. They also have access to professional development programs and educational/career advising.

Note that this research opportunity for high school students is extremely competitive; approximately 7% of applicants are ultimately accepted. Finally, if you are under the age of 18 when you participate in the program, you will need to live within 40 miles of the campus that you’d like to intern at.

STEM/Humanities Research Opportunities for High School Students

7) army educational outreach program—high school internships.

• Location : Various
• Timeframe : All Year
• Length: 3 months
• Cost : Free, and all interns receive a stipend
• Eligibility: All current high school students. Some sites may have additional eligibility requirements.

With programs currently available in twenty states, the Army Educational Outreach Program places high school students in university research labs or at a US Army Research Laboratory/Center. Each site has its own technical focus, from biology and materials science to cybersecurity and AI. Regardless of specialty, all interns receive formal mentorship from a professional scientist or engineer, have access to high-tech equipment, and work on relevant research that addresses a current major challenge.

8) Boston University RISE

• Location : Boston, MA
• Length: 6 weeks
• Cost : $5,350 plus room & board
• Eligibility: Current high school juniors

A residential program located on the Boston University campus, RISE offers high school students the opportunity to conduct laboratory research in one of two tracks: Internship or Practicum. Students in the Internship track work full-time on a research project that aligns with their interests, and are mentored by a faculty member, postdoc fellow, or grad student. 15 subject areas are available, including astronomy, mechanical engineering, medical laboratory research, and nutrition. Alternatively, Practicum students work in small groups on structured research related to systems neuroscience and neurobiology.

Research Opportunities for High School Students—Continued

9) michigan state high school honors science, math and engineering program.

• Location : East Lansing, MI
• Length: 7 weeks
• Cost : $4,000

HSHSP is a highly selective, residential program where students can pursue research opportunities in science, engineering, and mathematics. After learning more about the research process, students deeply explore a problem of interest while engaging in an authentic (not “fail-proof”) research experience. Along the way, they’ll work with professionals and peers in their field of interest. Finally, many students have gone on to publish their work or be recognized at prestigious research competitions.

10) MIT Research Science Institute

• Location : Cambridge, MA
• Cost : Free
• Eligibility: High school juniors

With a combined focus on academic coursework and hands-on research, RSI students first take one week of STEM coursework with MIT professors. Here, they’ll learn about current research topics in biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics, and the humanities. Then, for the remaining five weeks, students “experience the entire research cycle start to finish.” During this time, they participate in an intensive, mentored individual project experience that culminates in a written and oral presentation.

The program looks for students who are exceptionally academically talented. As such, the application process is quite intensive. PSAT Math scores must be over 740 and ACT Math scores must be over 33. In addition, students must write several essays, acquire teacher recommendations, and provide transcripts. Ultimately, only 100 students are accepted.

11) NASA Internship Programs

• Location : Various; there are 15 centers and facilities in the US. Remote opportunities may also be available.
• Timeframe : Available during the fall, spring, and summer
• Length: 10-16 weeks, depending on session
• Cost : Free; the majority of interns receive a stipend, but some are unpaid
• Eligibility: High school students aged 16+

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers a number of internship opportunities for high school students. Available projects change each year and are location-specific, and not every NASA center will offer internship opportunities every session. That said, current projects span a range of subject areas, including Climate Change in the Hudson Estuary and Characterizing the Urban Land Surface Temperature. During the research internship, students will be closely mentored by a research scientist, engineer, or other professional. Note that you will need to make your own housing arrangements if you are not a local student.

Are you an undergraduate student? Check out NASA Pathways , which can provide a direct transition into full-time employment at NASA.

12) Smith College Summer Science and Engineering Program

• Location : Northampton, MA
• Length: 2-4 weeks
• Cost : $4,745 (2 weeks); $8,082 (4 weeks)
• Eligibility: Female high school students in grades 9-12; some programs have specific prerequisites

Fun fact: Smith was the first women’s college to create a program in engineering science. As such, their summer programs are an excellent place for young women to participate in hands-on, introductory research experiences. Two-week sessions are offered, and students can take one or both. Each session offers six distinct course choices. For example, the first session offers Chemistry of Herbal Medicine, Designing Intelligent Robots, and Novel Bacteriophage Discovery. Second session courses include Where the Body Meets the Mind, Supercontinents, Rocks, and Fossils, and the Art and Science of Microcontrollers. Students spend five days a week in class, attending lectures and conducting experiments & fieldwork. Additionally, the program is team-based, allowing students to learn from each other’s ideas and perspectives.

13) Stony Brook University Garcia Center Research Experience for High School Students

• Location : Stony Brook, NY
• Timeframe : Summer (with possible academic year continuation)
• Cost : $4,000 plus room & board

At the Garcia Center for Polymers at Engineered Interfaces, high school students can design an original research project in polymer science and technology during an intensive seven-week summer program. Uniquely, the research can then be continued during the academic year under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students should be highly motivated and high-achieving, with at least three upper-level science courses under their belt. Finally, past participants have regularly published their research and won recognition in national competitions.

14) Stony Brook University Simons Summer Research Program

• Cost : Students need to cover transportation costs (if commuting) or room/board (if residential). Room/board is $2,781. Stipends are also awarded at the end of the program.

After being matched with a mentor and research team, students are fully immersed in the research process. Placement availability varies from year to year, but typically about thirty projects are available across over a dozen disciplines. These include biochemistry, computer science, geosciences, and pharmacological sciences, among others. Moreover, some have prerequisites, such as specific AP courses or previous programming experience.

All students participate in weekly faculty research talks, workshops, events, and a culminating poster symposium.

15) Summer Science Program

• Location : Astrophysics: UNC Chapel Hill, University of Colorado, Georgia College & State University, New Mexico State University; Biochemistry: Purdue, Indiana University; Genomics: Georgetown, Purdue, New Mexico State; Synthetic Chemistry : Southwestern Oklahoma State University
• Cost : $8,800 max; all program fees are scaled according to what each family can afford
• Eligibility: Current high school juniors and exceptional sophomores

The Summer Science Program offers four different immersive research programs that take place on different college campuses around the country. These include programs in astrophysics, biochemistry, genomics, and synthetic chemistry. Each program has its own research focus. For example, astrophysics students will dive into Asteroid Orbit Determination while genomics students explore Antibiotic Resistance and Directed Evolution.

Students spend six days a week in class deeply investigating their research topics and learning more about general experimental science. They also take part in guest lectures and other special programming.

16) Texas Tech University Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

• Location : Lubbock, TX
• Cost : Free; all students receive a $750 stipend upon completion of their projects
• Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged 17+ by the start of the program

The Clark Scholars Program is one of the only programs on this list with research disciplines in the sciences as well as the humanities. For example, current research areas include everything from nutritional sciences and mechanical engineering to history. Over the course of seven weeks, students work closely with a faculty member to complete a research paper in their discipline. They also participate in weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips.

17) University of California Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program

• Location : Santa Barbara, CA
• Cost : $11,874 (residential); $4,975 (commuter)
• Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors

During this intensive program, students work 35-50 hours per week on an interdisciplinary research project of their choice. Nearly thirty research areas are available in both the STEM disciplines and humanities; current topics include biochemistry, computer science, history, music, and anthropology, among others. Over the course of the program, they also take two courses: Introduction to Research and Presentation Techniques. Finally, students occasionally continue their research remotely during the academic year, depending on their mentor’s availability.

18) University of California Santa Barbara Summer Research Academies

• Cost : $8,224 (residential); $2,575 (commuter)
• Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Running for four weeks, the UCSB Summer Research Academies allow students to earn up to four credits. While taking a university-level course that teaches fundamental research concepts, students spend the first two weeks of the program developing a research question & framework via hands-on labs. They’ll then spend the final two weeks of the course analyzing their results and building presentations. Overall, they’ll spend about 25-40 hours per week working. Finally, twelve different tracks are available; each involves multiple disciplines. For example, “Bionic Creatures” combines mechanical engineering, materials science, soft robotics, biomanufacturing, and collective motion.

19) University of California Santa Cruz Science Internship Program (SIP)

• Location : Santa Cruz, CA
• Length: 9 weeks (two weeks virtual, seven weeks in-person)
• Cost : $4,750 plus room & board
• Eligibility: High school students aged 14+, although some research groups require students to be 16+

UCSC’s SIP Program offers a wide range of research focus areas, including science and engineering as well as social science, humanities, and art. For example, over 100 projects are currently offered that include everything from “Eating Insects in Silicon Valley: Cultural Gaps Between Food-Tech and Tradition” and “Future Projected Changes in the Distribution and Variability of Ocean Chlorophyll in Climate Simulations.” Before you dive in, you’ll spend two weeks doing online research prep (this part is conducted remotely) followed by seven weeks of in-person, mentored research. Students get to engage in authentic, open-ended projects that fully immerse them in the academic research experience. Moreover, they’ll present their findings at a symposium at the end of the program.

20) University of California Davis Young Scholars Program

• Location : Davis, CA
• Cost : $6,750
• Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who will be 16+ by the start of the program

Interested in biological, agricultural, environmental, or natural sciences? If so, UC Davis is a stellar place to explore those interests through research. All students have the opportunity to work on independent, original projects while receiving one-on-one faculty mentorship. Moreover, they each produce a journal-quality paper and symposium presentation. In addition to research, students also participate in a lecture series presented by UC Davis faculty; past topics have included forensic entomology and nutrition, among others. Finally, field trips to educational facilities like the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Bodega Bay Marine Laboratory round out the experience.

21) University of Florida Student Science Training Program

• Location : Gainesville, FL
• Cost : $5,200
• Eligibility: Rising seniors aged 16+

Thinking about a career in science, medicine, math, computer science, or engineering? UF’s Student Science Training Program could be the right fit. For thirty hours per week, you’ll work with a faculty mentor and lab team on university-level, ongoing research. Moreover, you’ll participate in a science lecture series as well as a UF Honors Program seminar class. Over the course of the program, you will write a research paper, present a poster, and give two oral presentations. Finally, social programming is included.

22) University of Iowa Secondary Student Training Program

• Location : Iowa City, IA
• Cost : $7,500

During this intensive and competitive program, students conduct research within small groups that are supported by a University of Iowa faculty member. There are twenty current active research areas, including chemistry, geography, neurology, orthopedics & rehabilitation, and religious studies. You’ll be working on your project approximately seven hours per day, attending classes in the evenings, and participating in structured activities on the weekend. Moreover, all groups will create and present a poster at the culmination of the program.

23) University of Massachusetts Amherst Summer Programs

• Location : Amherst, MA
• Cost : $3,636 (residential); $2,167 (commuter)
• Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors

UMass Amherst offers two introductory, research-focused opportunities for high school students. These are Antibiotic Resistance: A Global Health Crisis, which allows students to join the Department of Microbiology in researching new antibiotics, and Energy Without Borders, which delves into climate change, infrastructure, and green energy. In both courses, you’ll learn research methods, complete multiple lab experiences, and present a research poster. Finally, students can earn two college credits upon successful completion of the program.

Location-Specific Research Opportunities for High School Students

The following programs are not residential and only offered in a specific location. Many also only accept local students, although some do allow out-of-state students to apply. If that’s the case, you will need to secure your own living accommodations and transportation. Moreover, if you are under the age of 18, you will need to be supervised by a parent or guardian.

Programs are organized alphabetically by state.

24) California Academy of the Sciences—Careers in Science Intern

• Location : San Francisco, CA
• Focus: STEM
• Length: Multi-year (2-3 years)
• Eligibility: 9 th or 10 th grade student enrolled in an SFUSD school with a GPA of 2.5 or higher

25) Cedars Sinai INSPIRE High School

• Location : Los Angeles, CA
• Focus: Pre-Health
• Cost : Free; all students are paid
• Eligibility: High school students age 16+

26) City of Hope Summer Student Academy

• Location : Duarte, CA
• Focus: Biomedicine
• Cost : Free; all students receive a stipend of $4,000

27) Sandia National Laboratories—Internships

• Location : Livermore, CA
• Focus : STEM
• Timeframe : Academic year and summer internships available
• Length: Academic year or 10-12 weeks (summer)
• Cost : Free; all positions are paid

28) Scripps Student Research Internship Program

• Location : La Jolla, CA
• Focus : Translational science/genomics
• Cost : Free; stipends are typically offered

29) UCSF SEP High School Intern Program

• Focus : Biomedical research
• Length: 8 weeks
• Eligibility: High school juniors enrolled in an SFUSD high school, SF charter school, or College Track San Francisco

30) UCSF Summer Student Research Program

• Location : Oakland, CA
• Length: 9 weeks
• Cost : Free; all students are given a stipend between $3,000-$4,300
• Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors, aged 16+

Connecticut

31) jackson lab academic year fellowships.

• Location : Farmington, CT*
• Focus: Genetics
• Timeframe : Academic year
• Length: 1 school year
• Cost : Free; students must be able to receive academic credit for their work
• Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors age 16+ within commuting distance of the lab

*Some fully remote opportunities are available

32) Yale School of Medicine Discovery to Cure High School Internship

• Location : New Haven, CT

33) Yale University Social Robotics Lab High School Internship

• Focus: Robotics and human social behavior
• Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors aged 16+

34) Argonne National Laboratory — Exemplary Student Research Program

• Location : Lemont, IL
• Focus: Engineering
• Eligibility: Application must be completed by participating teacher

35) Chicago EYES on Cancer

• Focus : Biomedicine
• Timeframe : All year, with two 8-week summer research experiences
• Length: 2 years
• Cost : Free; all students receive $3,100 stipend
• Eligibility: High school sophomore, junior, or senior aged 16+

36) University of Kansas Biotech Research Apprentice Program

• Location : Overland Park, KS
• Focus : Biotech
• Length: Semester

37) Jackson Lab Academic Year Fellowships

• Location : Bar Harbor, ME*

38) National Cancer Institute Werner H. Kirsten Student Internship Program

• Location : Frederick, MD
• Timeframe : Academic year & summer
• Length: 1 year
• Cost : Free; academic credit available during school year, stipend provided in summer
• Eligibility: High school junior age 17+ who attends an eligible school located within a 30-mile radius of campus

39) University of Minnesota Lillehei Heart Institute Summer Research Scholars Program

• Location : Minneapolis, MN
• Focus: Cardiovascular medicine
• Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors age 16+ as well as undergraduate students

40) Coriell Institute for Medical Research

• Location : Camden, NJ
• Eligibility: High school student aged 17+

41) Princeton Laboratory Learning Program

• Location : Princeton, NJ
• Focus : Natural Sciences or Engineering
• Length: 5-6 weeks

42) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory High School Internship

• Location : Princeton, NJ*
• Focus : Physics
• Eligibility: High school seniors (program takes place summer after graduation)

*Remote projects may be available.

43) Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science Summer Research Program (RITMS)

• Location : Rutgers, NJ
• Focus : Translational medicine/science

44) Rutgers Waksman Institute Summer Experience Program

• Location : Piscataway, NJ*
• Focus : Molecular biology/bioinformatics
• Cost : $2,000
• Eligibility: High school students who have completed a high school-level biology course

*Online version of the program is also available

45) Los Alamos National Laboratory High School Internship Program

• Location : Los Alamos, NM
• Length: 11 weeks
• Eligibility: New Mexico high school seniors aged 16+

46) Sandia National Laboratories—Internships

• Location : Albuquerque, NM

47) Baruch College STEM Research Academy

• Location : New York, NY
• Timeframe : Spring/summer
• Cost : Free, but all students receive a stipend of $1,575
• Eligibility: Must be a NYC public high school sophomore junior to apply

48) Burke Neurological Institute NeuroAcademy

• Location : White Plains, NY
• Focus: Neuroscience
• Eligibility: Completion of NYS Regents Living Environment or equivalent Biology class; cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher

49) City Tech College STEM Research Academy

• Length: Two semesters (January-August)
• Eligibility: NYC public school sophomore or junior

50) Columbia Zuckerman Institute—BRAINYAC Program

• Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors from select partner programs/schools in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx

51) HOPP Summer Student Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

• Focus: Biomedical or computational research
• Eligibility: High school students aged 14+

52) University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics Summer High School Research Program

• Location : Rochester, NY
• Focus: Laser energetics
• Eligibility: Rochester-area high school students who have completed their junior year

53) Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute

• Location : Cleveland, OH
• Timeframe : Varies; depends on lab
• Length: Varies; depends on lab

54) OHSU School of Medicine Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI)

• Location : Portland, OR
• Focus: Biomedical research
• Timeframe : Academic semester + summer
• Length: 16+ weeks
• Eligibility: Oregon-based high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors aged 16+

Pennsylvania

55) fox chase cancer center high school research programs.

• Location : Philadelphia, PA
• Timeframe : During school year
• Length: 2-3 months; depends on program
• Eligibility: Philadelphia-area high school students; students must be 16+ for some programs

56) Penn State College of Medicine Research Internships

• Location : Hershey, PA
• Length: Varies; could be weeks to months depending on lab
• Cost : Paid and unpaid internships available

57) University of Pennsylvania GRASP Lab High School Internships

• Focus: Robotics
• Cost : Free; stipend typically available
• Eligibility: Rising high school senior

58) George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Internship Program (ASSIP)

• Location : Fairfax, VA*
• Eligibility: High school students aged 15+ or 16+, depending on program

*Some fully remote and hybrid opportunities are available, depending on the lab.

59) Jefferson Lab High School Summer Honors Program

• Location : Newport News, VA
• Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ who live within 60 miles of the lab

60) Virginia Tech Fralin Biomedical Research Institute Summer Research Program

• Location : Roanoke, VA
• Focus: Health behaviors research
• Cost : Free; all students receive a stipend of $4,800
• Eligibility: Rising high school junior or senior in the Roanoke Valley

61) Pacific Northwest National Laboratory High School Research Programs

• Location : Richland, WA
• Timeframe : Summer & academic year programs available
• Length: Academic year or 10 weeks (summer)
• Eligibility: High school students aged 16+; some labs may require students to be 18+

62) Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Training Program

• Location : Seattle, WA
• Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors within commuting distance of downtown Seattle

Final Thoughts—Research Opportunities for High School Students

If gaining research experience is important to you, it’s in your best interest to explore a number of different programs, evaluating whether their structure, length, cost, and outcomes are in line with your goals. Finding the right opportunity may take some time, but it will be well worth the effort required.

• Research Programs

Kelsea Conlin

Kelsea holds a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Tufts University, a graduate certificate in College Counseling from UCLA, and an MA in Teaching Writing from Johns Hopkins University. Her short fiction is forthcoming in Chautauqua .

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What’s the Recommended Percentage?

Factors that may affect the allocated percentage, how to calculate the percentage to allocate to student loan repayment, tips for managing student loan repayment.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Bottom Line

• Student Loans

What Percentage of Gross Salary Should Be Allocated to Student Loan Repayment?

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Ideally, your student loan payments should only make up a small percentage of your gross monthly pay, such as no more than 10%. However, some income-driven repayment (IDR) plans for federal student loans have borrowers paying considerably less than that. There are also several forgiveness plans that can wipe away federal student debt after you make enough on-time payments on your loans. Students on these programs may reach a different conclusion on how much income to allocate to monthly debt payments.

This guide will explain the average amount of income students should expect to spend on student loan payments, how different repayment plans change the dynamic, and other details about repaying student loans .

Key Takeaways

• Most experts agree repayment should make up a small percentage of what you'll earn in a future career.
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recommends limiting monthly student debt payments to no more than 10% of your gross monthly income.
• Borrowers with a relatively low income may pay considerably less if they opt for an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan.

There are several schools of thought when it comes to the maximum amount of income to allocate to student debt repayment. For example, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) suggests limiting monthly student debt payments to no more than 10% of your gross monthly income. This means that, if you earn an annual gross income of $50,000, you would make sure your monthly student loan payments never surpass $5,000 per year, or $417 per month.

Another CFPB guideline to consider is limiting total student debt to no more than you expect to earn with a starting annual salary after you graduate.   For example, if the future earnings you expect to receive will be $40,000, aim to borrow less than that. Presumably, keeping debt within this range will translate into monthly payments that make sense for the commensurate level of income.

Keep in mind that many factors can determine the right amount of student debt.

Financial Obligations and Personal Circumstances

Allocating 10% of gross monthly income to student loan debt payments will be easier for some people than others. For example, if you already have a family or other financial obligations like a mortgage, you may need to target a lower percentage of your gross salary to use for student loan repayment.

Repayment Plan

Your repayment plan could dictate how much you pay each month regardless of how much income you have set aside.

For example, IDR plans base monthly payments on income and family size regardless of how much student debt you have. For example, with the Saving On a Valuable Education (SAVE) IDR plan, borrowers pay 5% of their discretionary income toward undergraduate student loans and 10% toward graduate school loans.  

The White House estimates that more than 4.5 million borrowers who enrolled in the SAVE plan as of April 8, 2024, qualify for a $0 monthly payment on their federal student loans.

Potential Student Loan Forgiveness

Some student loan forgiveness plans erase student debt after enough qualifying monthly payments are made. For example, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) forgives the loans of eligible public service workers after they make at least 120 monthly payments on an IDR plan, provided their work qualifies. Borrowers in this program might decide to pay whatever monthly payment the program requires to have their remaining student debt forgiven after 10 years.

The repayment plan you choose for student loans may ultimately dictate your monthly payment. But it makes sense to make sure you have enough money in your budget to cover student loans. If you want to keep your monthly payment to no more than 10% of your gross monthly income, the calculation for your maximum monthly payment is fairly straightforward.

Divide your gross annual income by 12 months. Your maximum monthly payment should be no more than 10% of that amount. With a gross annual income of $60,000, for example, your maximum monthly payment works out to $500.

$60,000 / 12 months = $5,000

$5,000 x 0.10 = $500

If you decide to repay your student loans using an IDR plan, your monthly payment will be based on your discretionary income. According to the United States Department of Education, discretionary income is based on your annual income, family size, and the state you live in. On the SAVE repayment plan, discretionary income is defined as the "difference between your annual income and 225% of the poverty guideline for your family size and state of residence."

With the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Plan, the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Plan, and loan rehabilitation, on the other hand, your discretionary income is the difference between 150% of the poverty guideline for your family size and state of residence.

Generally, aim to borrow as little as you can for college, and opt for a more affordable monthly payment. However, there are situations where you may want to pay as much as you can to get out of debt faster. For example, you may want to reduce your debt to better qualify for a mortgage. The right repayment amount to target depends on how much debt you have and your future financial goals.

Consider these tips for managing student loans with minimal impact on your lifestyle.

• Compare different repayment plans for federal student loans : The U.S. Department of Education recommends using its Loan Simulator to estimate your monthly payment on various repayment plans for federal student loans.
• Don't rule out IDR plans: While you may not like the idea of income-driven repayment, or making loan payments for up to 20 to 25 years, these repayment plans can leave you with a very small monthly payment (even as low as $0) if your income is low enough.
• Opt for the standard, 10-year repayment to get out of debt faster: You can also opt for the standard, 10-year repayment plan if you want to pay off student debt faster . You can even accelerate repayment by paying more than the minimum amount due each month.
• Reach out to your loan servicer if you're struggling to keep up : If you find you’re struggling to make your monthly student loan payments, reach out to your loan servicer to ask about your options. It's possible to get temporary relief from federal student debt with deferment or forbearance , although you have to qualify.

How Long Does It Take on Average to Pay Student Loan Debt?

The average length of time to repay student debt depends on the repayment plan chosen. For example, borrowers can repay their loans on the standard plan for federal student loans, which last for 10 years. IDR plans require monthly payments for 20 to 25 years before any remaining loan balances are forgiven.

What Are the Different Federal Student Loan Repayment Options?

Federal student loan payment options include the standard 10-year repayment plans, IDR plans, graduated repayment, and extended repayment.

Why Are Student Loans Considered Good Debt?

Student loans are typically considered good debt since earning a college degree can lead to higher earnings. For example, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data shows that people with a bachelor's degree earned average weekly wages of $1,493 in 2023, compared to weekly earnings of $899 for those with a high school diploma.

The amount of money to set aside for student debt will vary from person to person. Have a plan for your debt, and ensure you have enough money to cover student loan payments after paying other bills. Consider budgeting for a monthly student loan payment that's at or below 10% of your gross income, even if you end up paying a much smaller amount on an IDR plan.

Federal Student Aid. ” Student Loan Forgiveness .”

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “ Understanding How Much Student Debt You Can Afford ,” Page 5.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “ How Much Should I Borrow in Student Loans? ”

Federal Student Aid. “ Income-Driven Repayment Plans .”

Federal Student Aid. “ The Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan Offers Lower Monthly Loan Payments .”

The White House. “ President Joe Biden Outlines New Plans to Deliver Student Debt Relief to Over 30 Million Americans Under the Biden-⁠Harris Administration .”

Federal Student Aid. “ Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) .”

Federal Student Aid. “ Discretionary Income .”

Federal Student Aid. “ Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans .”

Federal Student Aid. “ Get Temporary Relief: Deferment and Forbearance .”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “ Employment Projections .”

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ROTC Scholarships

Pay for college with the army’s help..

Cover your college education while gaining valuable leadership skills in Army ROTC with financial support from the Army.

Get a scholarship with Army ROTC.

Scholarships and other monetary support are available to help with costs when you join Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Focus on your education and graduate into a secure path as an Army Officer—and with less debt for the school years your scholarship covers. You’re eligible if you are a high school student enrolling in college, enrolled in college, or an active-duty enlisted Soldier.

Reach your financial goals.

Get tuition and fees covered.

Get the full college experience, only with less debt, in exchange for a career serving in the Army as an Officer after graduation. ROTC scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements and can be applied to any of the 1,000+ participating schools, covering either tuition and fees or room and board.

Get money for expenses and books.

Receive monthly help to offset living and book costs. All ROTC scholarships include an extra $420 each month throughout the school year for expenses like housing, along with $1,200 each year to spend on books.

Apply in high school or college.

You’re eligible to apply for an Army ROTC scholarship at a participating school upon completion of your junior year of high school or as a college student.

High School

Here’s what to know when applying for an ROTC scholarship in high school.

Start the application process.

To get started on your ROTC scholarship application, create an account and log in to the Scholarship Application. From there, you’ll locate and contact the Recruiting Operations Officer at the school you plan to attend. Most of them have served before and understand the process you’re going through.

Important dates to remember

ROTC scholarship applications opened on June 12, 2023. Applications must be started no later than March 4, 2024 to be eligible for review by the Army ROTC National Scholarship Board for the 2024 – 2025 school year.

Due October 9, 2023

Applications will be reviewed from October 16 – 20, 2023.

Due January 15, 2024

Applications will be reviewed from January 22 – 26, 2024.

Due March 11, 2024

Applications will be reviewed from March 18 – 22, 2024.

Your obligation with an ROTC scholarship

Your acceptance of the ROTC scholarship means a future service obligation of eight years in the Army, with requirements for active duty and/or the Army Reserve or Army National Guard depending on the scholarship. You may be eligible to serve part time in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career immediately after graduation.

Scholarship recipients who wish to exit the ROTC program may do so after their freshman year of college without any obligation. 

Here’s what to know when applying for an ROTC scholarship in college.

Types of scholarships available.

You’ll have access to four-year, three-year, or two-year scholarships if you decide to join Army ROTC as a college student. Four-year scholarships are most common for students who are on a five-year college plan, while two-year scholarships are more common for those who attend certain participating two-year community colleges before transferring to a four-year university.

To get started on your ROTC scholarship application, locate and contact the Recruiting Operations Officer at your school to discuss how to apply. Most of them have served before and understand the process you’re going through. Their years of experience will help the process.

Scholarship recipients who wish to exit the ROTC program may do so after their freshman year of college without any obligation.

Requirements to be eligible for an ROTC scholarship.

To be accepted for any ROTC scholarship, you must meet these standards.

Be a U.S. citizen.

Be at least 17 and under 31 in year of commissioning.

Have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Have an unweighted high school GPA of at least 2.50 if you’re in high school while applying.

Have taken the SAT or ACT.

Take the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) .

Meet the physical weight and height requirements .

Agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army , Army Reserve , or Army National Guard .

Career-building scholarship programs

Nursing scholarships.

Nursing students can apply for any Army ROTC scholarship by following the directions above. Being a nurse in the Army provides you with opportunities not found in the civilian world, including a three-week paid Nurse Summer Training Program, which introduces students to the Army Medical Department and the roles and responsibilities of an Army Nurse Corps Officer .

Enlisted Soldier Scholarships

As an enlisted Soldier, you have access to the Green to Gold program and scholarship opportunities to cover costs for tuition or room and board, while you earn your undergraduate or graduate degree.

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How to Add Footnotes in Word? [For Students]

Being a student can be tough. They say it’s one of the best days of your life, but with all the assignments and thesis work, it can definitely take the fun out of it. To excel as a student, you need to ensure you submit your best work. That means your essays need to be convincing, with all the right citations placed correctly. In this article, I’ll show you  how to add footnotes in Word for students so you can properly cite your sources.

Footnotes in APA, MLA and Chicago Format

You haven't truly completed the format if you haven't added the citations and footnotes in the right way. Citations are a crucial component of academic writing, ensuring you give proper credit to sources and maintain scholarly integrity. Each citation style—APA, MLA, and Chicago—has its own specific rules for citing sources and adding footnotes. This can get complicated, especially when you're trying to meet tight deadlines or juggle multiple assignments. Here's what proper citation and footnote placement looks like when you are aiming to meet your academic standards:

APA format:

In APA format, footnotes are used by inserting superscript numbers in the text that correspond to the footnote numbers. Here's how to format footnotes:

Double-space footnotes.

Indent the first line.

Add a space between the superscript number and the note text.

For example, in a research paper, you might cite a book like this:

Antony Grafton, The Footnote: A Curious History (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1999), 221.

And a chapter from a book might be cited like this:

W. Jones and R. Smith, 2010, Photojournalism, 21, p. 122. (Copyright 2007 by Copyright Holder. Reprinted with permission.)

These footnotes include detailed citations, including author names, book titles, publication years, and page numbers.

MLA format:

In MLA format, footnotes are used for citing sources within the text. Here's how to format footnotes:

Place superscript numbers within the text to correspond with the footnote numbers.

Include detailed citation information in the footnote.

Single-space entries, with double-spacing between footnotes.

Chicago Format:

In Chicago style, footnotes are used for citing sources within the text. Here's how to format footnotes:

Separate multiple citations with semicolons.

Ensure consistency in citation style throughout the document.

How to Add Footnotes in Your Essay?

Adding footnotes correctly is incredibly important for academic writing, allowing you to reference sources and add explanations or additional information. To ensure you do this right, follow the steps below, designed to be compatible with various devices. To make sure you can follow along on your mobile, Windows, or Mac, I'll use WPS Office for the demo. It's a free office software that's compatible with all Word document versions and can even convert your papers to PDF without losing format.

1.On the References tab

As we move forward in this tutorial, let's address a common query students encounter when working on projects under strict professorial guidelines: how to add footnotes and endnotes in a Word document. Word simplifies this process. By navigating to the "Reference" tab, you can effortlessly insert footnotes and endnotes in your document.

Step 1: Let's launch WPS Writer, a simplified yet advanced writing software, and open our project where we need to insert footnotes.

Step 2: Now, within our document, place the cursor where you want to add the footnote.

Step 3: Next, the option to insert a footnote is located in the "Reference" tab. So, navigate to the Reference tab and click on "Insert Footnote" in the reference ribbon.

Step 4: A subscript will be added next to the text where you placed the cursor, and you will be directed to the bottom of the page where the footnote will appear.

That's how easily footnotes can be added in WPS Writer for your school projects. Another significant reason for using WPS Writer was its user-friendly interface, making it easy for me as a student. Additionally, it is budget-friendly while providing all the necessary tools.

2.Footnotes formatting

Probably the most important thing to keep in mind is the style requested by the instructor to follow: APA, MLA, or any other. Different styles entail different formatting. In this part, I'll show you how to add footnotes in APA style formatting. So, let's open WPS Writer and delve into formatting our footnotes.

Step 1: The first thing to remember is proper footnote referencing; ensure to follow the citation format when adding it to the footnote.

Step 2: To change the numbering format or starting position of your footnotes, right-click on your footnotes and select "Footnote/Endnote" from the context menu.

Step 3: In the Footnote and Endnote dialog box, select the numbering format according to the style in the "Number Format" field.

Step 4: Using the "Start at" field, you can start numbering your footnotes as desired.

Step 5: In APA style, our footnotes should be double-spaced. So, let's select our footnotes and navigate to the Home tab.

Step 6: In the Home ribbon, click on the "Line Spacing" icon and select "2.0" to change the line spacing to double.

With these easy steps, you'll be creating well-structured and formatted footnotes in no time. WPS Writer lets you concentrate on your writing and leaves the technicalities to the software. With a simple and clean interface and powerful tools that support all student needs, WPS Writer is my preferred choice for my writing needs. Plus, there's no bill at the end of each month just for using a writing software!

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1.How to Revise Your Essay Easily?

When you're tackling a long essay, going through every sentence to ensure correct grammar, spelling, and formatting can be quite the challenge. This task can be especially daunting when you're juggling multiple assignments or working under tight deadlines. Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about any of that because with its WPS AI spell check and AI writer functions, you can automatically scan your essay for spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, and formatting inconsistencies.

The AI spell check feature helps you correct typos and other errors in real time, allowing you to focus on refining your ideas rather than hunting for misplaced commas or incorrect word choices. The AI writer function can also help you refine your writing style, offering suggestions for rewording sentences to make them clearer or more impactful. This combination of automated proofreading and writing assistance saves you time and ensures that your essay maintains a high standard of quality, allowing you to submit your work with confidence.

To ensure your thesis/assignment is error-free, let's utilize the WPS AI Spell Check to proofread your document.

Step 1: Open your document in WPS Writer and ensure the "AI Spell Check" toggle is activated in the status bar.

Step 2: Click on any incorrect word or phrase highlighted with a colored dotted underline in your document.

Step 3: This action will open the WPS AI Check pane on the right side of the screen.

Step 4: You will see all suggestions in the "All Suggestions" tab. To view different suggestions, click on each tab and make the correction.

2.How to Convert Word to PDF without Losing Format

Dealing with your thesis or professional essay requires very careful attention to detail, especially when it comes to proper formatting and final submissions. However, converting your essay to PDFwhich is a crucial step for academic or professional submissions—can be a source of frustration, particularly when using Microsoft Word 365, where the process might disrupt your APA or MLA formatting.

Unexpected changes in margins, font sizes, or spacing can turn a polished document into a chaotic one. WPS Office is really helpful in regard to allowing you to convert your essay to PDF while preserving your original formatting. Unlike Word, WPS Office ensures that your APA or MLA style remains intact, with no unexpected shifts in headers, footnotes, or page layout. With just a few clicks, you can convert your document to PDF and be confident that it looks exactly as intended, avoiding last-minute adjustments.

Here is how WPS Writer can help you convert your work with footnotes into PDF in a few easy steps:

Step 1: Open your Word document in WPS Office. Look for the Menu button at the top left corner of the screen.

Step 2: Click on "Save as" in the menu. Then choose "Other formats" .

Step 3: In the options, pick "PDF" from the list. Click "Save" to change your document to a PDF file.

FAQs about adding Footnotes in Word

1. how do you insert multiple footnotes in word.

Here's a straightforward guide on how to insert multiple footnotes in Word:

Step 1: Position your cursor in the main text where you want the footnote number to be displayed.

Step 2: Navigate to the References tab located in the ribbon toolbar.

Step 3: Click on the "Insert Footnote" option. This action will direct you to the bottom of the page, where you can input your footnote text.

Step 4: Enter the content of your footnote according to the required style.

Step 5: Repeat the process for each additional footnote needed. Word will automatically adjust the numbering for you.

2. How do you put two footnotes in one sentence?

According to the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), if you have more than one citation relating to the same concept or idea, all relevant citations can be included in a single footnote, each separated by a semi-colon. This method ensures clarity and organization in your references

3. How do you footnote something already footnoted?

Place the Cursor: Click where you want to insert the new footnote.

Insert a Footnote: Use the "Insert Footnote" option, typically in the "References" or "Insert" tab.

Add Reference: In the new footnote, refer to the existing footnote. You can quote, summarize, or mention the original footnote number (e.g., "See footnote 1" ).

Check Footnote Numbering: Ensure that the numbering is correct. Adjust if needed.

Proofread: Confirm that the new footnote is clear and that the document's structure remains intact.

Stop Struggling with Footnotes: Here's the Word Hack You Need

Your essay isn't complete without proper citations, which usually come in the form of footnotes. Once you learn how to add footnotes in Word for students, it's crucial to double-check them to ensure they're correctly formatted and contain all the necessary information. This step is especially important to maintain academic integrity and avoid plagiarism. WPS AI can be a tremendous help in this regard. It can scan your document for errors, suggesting corrections if you've missed a citation or formatted something incorrectly. With WPS AI's assistance, you can confidently complete your footnotes, knowing that you've referenced your sources accurately and consistently. So do yourself a favor and download WPS Writer to make your academic life easier.

• 1. How to Remove Section Breaks in Word? [For Students]
• 2. How to Check Word Count for Your Essays in Word [For Students]
• 3. How to Add a Line in Word [For Students]
• 4. How to Add Page Numbers in Word for Your Papers? [For Students]
• 5. How to Convert PDF to Word for Students
• 6. How to insert footnotes in word

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.