How to make the most of your visit

Here are some hints to help you use the Writing Center efficiently :

Come Early, Come Often

Sign up for an appointment as soon as you know you will need one. This way, you'll have your pick of dates and times, and you won't have to wait for a tutor or try to squeeze into a conference time that's too short for your needs. Give yourself plenty of time before your paper is due. If you don't have enough time to make substantial changes, then you may be discouraged to find out how much work you have left to do. Also, your writing will be better if you don't do it at the last minute. Come see us before you write. While we will not supply ideas for you, if you have some thoughts about your assignment, we will help you clarify and organize them. We will listen as you "think out loud" about your topic and offer advice and suggestions. Come in before you write to discuss your paper. While we will not supply ideas for you, if you have some thoughts about your assignment, we will help you clarify and organize them. We will listen as you "think out loud" about your topic and offer advice and suggestions.

Come Prepared

If you have already started writing, bring a typed draft so that your tutor can read it easily. Have some specific questions or problems in mind for the tutor. Before your conference, think a bit about your paper. What problems or weaknesses do you think it has? What difficulties did you have while writing it? Bring paper and something to write with. Plan to take notes during the conference so that you will remember what you and the tutor discussed. Take an active role during the conference. Don't expect to sit back and watch the tutor "fix" your paper or do the thinking for you. We're here to help you do the work.