1. Be very clear about the assignment.
If you really want to write an essay that will get the best possible grade, you absolutely must know what your instructor expects.
Most essays are assigned with a “writing prompt” - that photocopied handout your instructor gives everyone in class to explain the assignment. Read that piece of paper VERY carefully and do exactly what it says.
Think of the prompt as a kind of contract, which you can also use to defend your essay later if necessary.
2. Talk to your professor.
As with the first tip above, what your instructor says about the assignment is usually more important than anything else. So here’s a novel idea… Talk to your instructor.
It’s common for a professor to NOT say something important about an assignment in class. It’s also common for a professor to reveal more specific tips in private meetings.
Find out when your instructor is available to speak one-on-one about the assignment. Express genuine interest and concern. It will definitely pay off.
3. Always proofread and edit your work.
I just can’t stress this enough. If your work is just plain difficult to read, it’s simply not going to fetch the kind of grade or results you want.
The difference between a mediocre paper and an excellent paper is huge. But if the excellent paper is loaded with grammatical and spelling errors, it could cost you a grade.
When I teach writing, I always stress this part of the writing process simply because most students skip it. Don’t make that mistake and your paper will rise above the rest.
4. Write the maximum number of pages.
Here’s a very easy tip to follow: If the assignment is to write 3-5 pages, write 5 pages. If the research paper needs to be 8-10 pages, write 10 pages.
Most students will stop at the bottom-end of the page range requirement because they believe there is nothing left to say. Trust me: there is always something else to say.
Try repeating an important point in a new way. Or, consider expanding your introductory or concluding sections.
Essay length goes a long way.
5. Format your paper correctly.
If you show up to a job interview with a stain on your shirt, it will be the first thing everyone will notice.
Likewise, if you turn in an essay with incorrect formatting, your instructor will begin the grading process with only one thing on his or her mind.
I once helped an MBA student edit and finalize an extremely important research paper for a final project. We met on campus an hour before the paper was due to go over everything. She handed me the printed paper I had carefully edited, and I immediately noticed a problem: one of the subheadings was lingering at the bottom of a page instead of being pushed to the next page for a cleaner look.
When I told the student to rush home and change the formatting as quickly as possible, she was in total disbelief. I insisted that the formatting error could cost her points she did not want to risk losing.
Formatting really is that important!
