Academic requirements differ from what you may have encountered in high school when you're in a college setting. The amount of work you are required to complete increases exponentially along with the complexity level of the study material. When teachers require you to read pages upon pages or study for hours upon hours for a single course, managing your workload can be difficult.
Handling your studies and assignments while also trying to have a social life will be the biggest challenge in your college life. With multiple submissions looming over your head, there will be times when you'll feel overwhelmed with the pressure to complete everything on time. You can always find a trustworthy pay for paper service to outsource your papers in such circumstances.
Undoubtedly, the college syllabus is far more extensive compared to high school. College professors demand more from their students in terms of writing skills and performance. It's not just about writing better papers; rather, it's more about writing something different. Hence, a run-of-the-mill essay that might have earned you praise in high school will not work in college.
Meeting the expectations of your college professors will be confusing and frustrating. You will be expected to write more in-depth analytical pieces in college and maybe even offer your personal opinions on a specific topic. Understanding the difference between college and high school essay writing will help you make a smoother transition into college.
This guide will highlight the critical distinction between college and high school papers. It will help you adopt a mature style of writing that is suitable for college-level writing.
Structure:
High school essays follow the generic five-paragraph structure. It would usually consist of an introduction, the main body, and a conclusion. The introduction includes the thesis statement, and the conclusion succinctly summarizes the entire paper in a paragraph. The main body consists of the bulk of the content that aims to support the thesis statement.
In college essays, the structure of the paper is constructed around the topic rather than sticking to the essay-style format. You are not limited to only five paragraphs. The topic often shapes the number of paragraphs and length of the paper. While you'll be expected to follow general academic rules of writing, you have greater control over how you structure the information in the essay.
Argument:
Unlike high schools, college writing is generally argumentative or expository. Paper writing in high school usually involves reiterating what has been taught in class in a well-framed essay. Even if you have to make an argument, it's mostly one-sided.
However, college essays require critical thinking to compose intelligent and relevant arguments. Moreover, the arguments don't need to be one-sided. In fact, most professors urge their students to discuss the pros and cons of both sides of the argument.
Target audience:
High school papers cater to a broader audience. They are written in an easy-to-read tone and style. The idea is to explain or discuss the topic in a simplified language that's understandable for everyone. In contrast, college papers are aimed at peers and professors who are already well-versed in the subject. Thus, college writing tends to be more technical, concise, and subject-specific.
As a college student, you're not expected to decode every small detail or provide general information in your essays. Since your target audience is knowledgeable and proficient, you can use advanced vocabulary and specific terminology as you see fit. A good college paper aims to offer a fresh perspective or personal reflection on the topic. Therefore, you're at liberty to write a complex, high-level paper that's understandable to a limited audience.
Formulaic writing:
One of the most significant differences between high school and college writing is the use of formulas. Most high schools encourage students to follow the ready-made structure and formulaic writing that is provided to them. The writing rules are rigidly followed in high schools. There is genuinely not much room for experimentation. Instead, repetition and rote memorization is routinely rewarded.
In contrast, college level writing cannot be more different. Professors discourage their students from using repetition and formulaic writing in college essays. You will be encouraged to engage in critical thinking and analysis rather than simply demonstrating your understanding of the study material.
Citations:
High school papers do not require citations or references. However, most college papers need citations. Without proper reference, you run the risk of plagiarism allegations. In fact, papers that are not appropriately cited may receive a failing grade from the professor. Mention any direct quotes, figures, or other material you've acquired from other papers, websites, or books inside your work, and then list all your sources on the "Works Cited" page.
Most college professors provide specific guidelines on how to format a paper properly. These guidelines must be followed thoroughly to ensure that you get the grade you deserve. Depending on the subject, the formatting style will differ. It can be APA, MLA, or Chicago style. To be safer, you should always confirm what citation you should use in your paper with your professor.
Learning to write successfully for college is the most challenging thing kids will confront when transferring from high school to university. Last-minute writing endeavors won't work in college as they did in high school. Your college essays will require you to perform exhaustive research, analyze data, offer criticism, make connections, and draw conclusions about the topic.
You can always ease the pressure of transition by being well informed. Now that you know how different college writing is compared to high school, you can use your time wisely to improve your writing skills.
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