Clearing up Three Common Misconceptions About College-Level Writing

Of all the challenges college presents to new and prospective students, adjusting to college-level writing may be the most intimidating. Fortunately, introductory writing courses are designed to make improving one's writing a simple, collaborative process, and developing better communication skills can benefit students' academic pursuits, careers, and personal lives. Here's the truth behind three common misconceptions about college-level writing.

Perfect Writing Skills Aren't Required to Start College

Many people may worry that their writing skills aren't strong enough to attend, or even to consider attending, college. On the contrary, professors and instructors are well aware that new students arrive with diverse strengths and weaknesses, and it is the goal of introductory writing courses to help students of all levels improve their academic writing. It's important for new students to remember that despite their anxieties, their instructors can help strengthen many of the foundational writing and communication skills they already possess.

Introductory Writing Courses Are All About Gradual Improvement

Just as no one becomes a professional musician, painter, or athlete overnight, college students likely won't master academic writing after just one or two class sessions. Learning to write effectively is a gradual process that requires consistent practice and revision. It also rewards collaboration, which is why introductory courses tend to be open atmospheres in which discussion among students is encouraged. By putting in the work and learning from one another, students can see dramatic improvements to their writing quality over the course of a semester.

Effective Writing Is a Valuable Lifelong Skill

"When will I ever use this?" is a question teachers of all subjects eventually hear from at least one student. When it comes to writing, the response is simple: all the time. While effective writing and communication skills are certainly useful in pursuing and completing a college degree, they are also valuable in a wide variety of workplaces, social settings, and family circles. All students can benefit from learning to express ideas clearly, think critically, and self-edit, no matter the paths they take.

Writing and communication skills are an important component of every student's academic, professional, and personal lives. The diverse course offerings and faculty guidance in the Tulane School of Professional Advancement's bachelor's and master's degree programs give students the chance to hone their writing and communicate more effectively. Ready to pursue your degree with Tulane SoPA? Start your online application today.