Academic writing can feel intimidating—especially if you’re new to it or haven't done it in a while. This guide is designed to support your growth as a writer by helping you better understand what professors are really looking for.

• What are Professors Really Looking for?
  • This section introduces you to a framework of four academic skills used in strong academic writing. Each page explains the skill in context and offer practical resources to develop it through your writing.
• Common Academic Assignments
  • This section explains the purpose, structure, and expectations of common college writing tasks—like research essays, annotated bibliographies, and more.

Whether you're exploring a new assignment, revising a draft, or just looking to sharpen your approach, this guide is here to support your success—and to help you write with more confidence and purpose.

Sometimes it can be hard to navigate all of the information and resources out there. Asking for help is a powerful way to strengthen your academic work. Here are places you can get help with academic writing:

• Your Professors
  • Who better than your professor to know what professors are looking for? Professors expect that students will have questions about assignments and are often willing to give feedback or point you in the right direction. Your professor's email and office hours are usually listed on their syllabus - but you can also stay after class to ask a quick question!
• The Learning Center
  • The Learning Center staff and tutors can help with things like course assignments, cover letters, personal statements, scholarship essays and more! They are trained to help you improve your writing, communication and analytical skills. 
  • Make a tutoring appointment in Danielson
  • Make a tutoring appointment in Willimantic
• The Library
  • Librarians are experts when it comes to synthesis and analysis of sources. We can help you with anything research related - from brainstorming to finishing up your citations! We're available in-person at both Danielson and Willimantic, or by chat, phone, or email. 
  • Make an research appointment (Danielson and Willimantic)
  • Chat with a CT State librarian