As an English Consultant at my university's Writing and Speaking Center, I've noticed something: students don’t utilize us enough!

I’ve helped dozens of students with their class essays, whether it’s planning them or editing them in the finest detail. I’ve also had students come in to stay accountable while they work or to ask for my perspective on the personal stories they’ve written. I enjoy these appointments and love building a schedule of regulars.

This makes me wonder: why don’t more students use this resource? Here are some ways you can get your tuition’s worth and use your university’s Writing and Speaking Center.

Accountability Partner

Surprisingly, I’ve had quite a few students come in simply to get some work done. This is a technique called “body doubling,” also known as working alongside someone else to stay focused and accountable.

If you know anyone who might get you a little too distracted, or you just need a surefire way to sit down and get your work done, my Writing and Speaking Center is a safe space to do so! You can ask the consultant questions at any point, which makes them an even better accountability partner.

Brainstorming

It’s a common misconception that students need to come into our center with a full plan or draft for their essays. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Many of my university’s consultants are trained to help students brainstorm, even without anything written on the page.

The very ideas for the blogs I write for Pearson go through a consultant before anything is written. Sometimes, all you need is someone to bounce ideas off!

Scholarship and Application Essays

Scholarship and application essays are common appointments in our university’s Writing and Speaking Center, and it’s no surprise why. Many scholarships are reviewed by an audience that will make judgments about your character, values, and alignment with their program.

Having a fresh set of eyes on your essay provides unbiased, objective feedback from someone you don’t know. Many of my scholarship applications went through our center so I could understand the first impression my essays made. After making the recommended edits to perfect my applications, I’ve never been disappointed!

Lab Reports

Lab reports are a little less common, but they really should be more common. When I wrote my first microbiology lab report, I was unfamiliar with the type of language that many lab reports expect.

Given my preference for eloquent, sensory, and detailed language, I was taken aback by how objective and straightforward my lab report had to be. I immediately went to my university’s Writing and Speaking Center to learn about the genre expectations for a lab report, and I eventually received a good grade on that paper.

Interview Practice

Last but not least, our university’s writing center also often helps students practice for interviews. If your university’s career studio is full, you might be able to rely on your Writing and Speaking Center.

In addition to writing, these consultants are also trained in speaking, such as with presentations and speeches; interviews fall under the “speaking” umbrella. As with scholarship applications, consultants can give you feedback on your first impression, which may be important to a future employer.

Use Your University’s Resources

Haven't used your university's Writing and Speaking Center yet? I hope this article has shown you the unique ways you can use it. Get your tuition money’s worth, and use your student centers!

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