Getting the best possible grade on your college paper, research paper, term paper or any other kind of writing assignment can feel like a lot to ask. Not only are you supposed to have mastered the subject matter, you are also expected to be able to present it in an interesting way that’s also informative, engaging and easy to follow so that your reader (the professor who will be grading your work) can understand what you’ve written and why it matters even though you’re not expected to be a professional paper writer. This can all seem like a pretty tall order, but when you break down the process into small steps, it becomes easier to understand and much more manageable.

1) Choose your topic wisely

When choosing a topic, make sure it is broad enough to cover all the requirements of your assignment. Be sure to have a topic that interests you as well. It will be much easier to write a paper on something you are enthusiastic about. Plus, it is more likely that you will want to continue researching and writing if the subject matter has personal meaning or interest for you.

2) Create an Outline

When it comes to outlining, you want to focus on how you are going to organize the information in your paper. Use headings and subheadings to keep track of the flow of ideas. Keep in mind that there are different types of outlines and each will work best for a certain type of paper. Do some research before starting so you know which one will be best suited for your topic. If you do not have an outline ready, brainstorm topics by writing down everything that pops into your head. Choose the three most interesting ideas and use them as the points of your outline. The last step is proofreading your paper.

3) Stay on schedule

In order to stay on schedule, set a schedule for yourself and stick to it. This will help you avoid procrastinating and allow you enough time to work out any kinks before they become too big of an issue. Additionally, try not to get too deep into the research and writing process at once. Instead, divide your paper up into sections and tackle each section one-by-one. By breaking the project up in this way, you’ll be able to see how well your thoughts are coming together and can make changes as necessary without feeling overwhelmed by the entire project.

4) Get help from experts in your field

Professors, who are usually experts in the field, can provide you with feedback on your paper and help you improve it. There are many online resources that can be of assistance as well such as professional editing services. These websites have editors on staff who will review your work for free or at a minimal cost. They also offer other helpful tools like APA formatting or MLA formatting that will make your work look more professional when it is submitted.

5) Use sources as a guide, but also as inspiration

Use different sources as a guide, but also as inspiration. As you’re writing, think about how the topic can be expanded. Pull some of the best information from your sources and add it to your own ideas. Just make sure to cite them so they don’t get in trouble with plagiarism. Include sources in a bibliography or endnotes at the end of your paper.

6) Go through multiple drafts

Have a clear topic and a thesis statement. A good paper has a specific focus that the reader will understand from the outset, but there’s no harm in making it even clearer by writing a thesis statement at the beginning of your paper. This sentence should be brief (less than one sentence) and state what you’re going to discuss in your paper. It should also include any major points you’re going to make so that readers know what to expect when they read your paper.

7) Revise and proofread

Revise and proofread your paper to catch any mistakes. To make your paper seem more professional, use APA formatting for the citations in your paper. You should also include a Works Cited page to give credit to the sources you used. Use these tips as a guide and enjoy writing that college paper!