How to Improve Your Writing Skills before Going Back to College

If you’re thinking of going back to college but you don't enjoy writing term papers and essays, you are not alone. Many other people share concerns like these:

• You found writing hard when you were in high school and think that college writing will be even harder.

• You suffer from writer's block and getting started on any writing project is agonizing.

• You feel embarrassed because other people seem to find writing easy, and you don’t.

  
  

Try These Strategies to Become a More Confident Writer

Find Writing Help Online

There are plenty of great online resources to help improve your writing. Here are a couple of excellent options:

• Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab (OWL) – Offers a large selection of excellent exercises that build writing skills. It’s free and open to everyone.

• Writing.com – Provides practical advice and encouragement for student writers, professional writers, and writers of all kinds.

  
  

Take Online Courses to Improve Your Writing

If you’re looking to refresh or improve your writing skills, online courses can be a great solution. Some recommended courses include:

• English Composition I & II – Learn the art of persuasive and argumentative writing.

• Introduction to Communications – Develop skills in speech communication from a wide range of perspectives.

• Developmental Writing – Improve overall writing ability and learn strategies for multiple disciplines and professions.

  
  

Read Books on Writing

Books on writing can help you build confidence and provide practical tips. Here are some great recommendations:

• The Transition to College Writing by Keith Hjortshoj – Focuses on the challenges of college writing and how to meet professors' expectations.

• Writing Essays for Dummies by Mary Page and Carrie Winstanley – Offers easy-to-digest strategies for writing better essays.

• English Grammar for Dummies by Geraldine Woods – Provides a fun and approachable way to improve grammar and sentence structure.

  
  

Fear Writing No More!

We’ve selected these resources because they take the fear out of writing, help you build essential skills, and set you up for success in college. Writing doesn’t have to be overwhelming—start practicing today and become a more confident writer!