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Algorithms, AI, and First-Year Academic Skills

Help! I've never written a paper longer than a page.

DON'T PANIC

First of all, you’re not alone—and yes, it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed. College writing can be a big leap, but there’s a lot of support available.

  1. Start with your professor. The very first thing you should do is talk to them. Research shows the most sensitive time for an assignment is actually the first 24 hours, not the last 24 hours. So, be sure to ask questions to make sure you fully understand the assignment:

    • Repeat what you think the assignment back to the professor in your own words. So Professor Wilson, in this paper I'm supposed to....

    • Imagine yourself sitting in front of the computer. Do you have all the information you need to start? What's missing?

  2. Then, check the rubric. The rubric is your roadmap—it tells you exactly how your paper will be graded. Pay attention to categories like thesis, organization, use of sources, and analysis. If any part is unclear, ask!
  3. Break the assignment into smaller tasks, across several days: Brainstorming, researching, outlining, drafting, revising, and proofreading. You should not be doing every step at once.
  4. Visit the Writing Center: They can help at any stage—from getting started to polishing your final draft. No question is too small!
  5. Use the Library: A librarian can help you find strong sources, navigate databases, and cite correctly.
  6. Give yourself grace and time: Good writing takes time; the more you invest in your process the better then final product.  Most importantly: You can do this.