Recent content by Petra

  1. Petra

    Can I use contractions in college essays? My teacher says no, but it sounds so formal

    The CollegeVine FAQ says: "Using contractions can help your writing sound more natural and conversational, which is what admissions officers are looking for—they want to hear your authentic voice." But they also say don't overdo it. Your plan to write naturally then read aloud is perfect...
  2. Petra

    Should I tell my professor I work nights and can't do group meetings? 😬

    The "try to manage your time better" response is infuriating because it assumes you're not already managing. You're working nights AND going to school — that's superhuman time management. Tell your professor. Be professional. "I work nights and cannot attend evening meetings. Can we arrange an...
  3. Petra

    Can I use a "future resume" format for my leadership essay?

    The "be creative, but keep it clear" advice is key. Some students try so hard to be unique that their essay becomes confusing. I'd recommend: write the reflection first — the real story of what shaped you. THEN build the future resume around that. That way your creativity is anchored in...
  4. Petra

    Is it bad to use bullet points in an essay? My professor said it's "lazy writing." 😤

    The "lazy writing" comment hurts but there's truth. Bullet points can replace transitions. Instead of "furthermore," "in addition," "however," you just have dots. That's skipping the work of showing how ideas relate. That said, in the right context (lists of materials, study characteristics...
  5. Petra

    I have to write a 10-page paper and I'm stuck on topic selection

    The sewing machine idea is great. Look up "material culture studies" — it's literally about how objects shape society. You could do: How the typewriter changed women's office work How the refrigerator changed eating habits How the smartphone changed dating How the bicycle changed women's...
  6. Petra

    Where can I find someone to check my essay for free? 🙏

    I finished my first draft and it's... not good. My roommate said "just use Grammarly" but the good version costs money. I have $12 until my next paycheck. 😭 I heard from some upperclassmen that Cal State Fullerton has this online course called "Strategies for Successful College Writing" where...
  7. Petra

    How do I use AI for my essay without cheating?

    Okay so I heard some kids in my dorm using ChatGPT for their essays. They said it's "just a tool like Google." But my professor said AI is cheating unless you use it "critically and ethically" . I'm so confused. What does that even mean?? Like, can I ask it to explain things I don't understand...
  8. Petra

    What's a good essay and how do I write one? I'm so lost.

    I just started my first semester and I already have an essay due. My professor said "write a five-paragraph essay." I nodded like I knew what that meant. I have no idea. 😵‍💫 In high school we just wrote whatever. My cousin said there's this book called Rules for Writers that helps with basics...
  9. Petra

    Should I write my introduction first or last? Different advice is confusing me. 😵‍💫

    Every teacher I've had says something different. My high school teacher insisted on writing the introduction first — "it sets the direction." My college professor says write it last — "how can you introduce something you haven't written yet?" I've tried both and here's what I've learned...
  10. Petra

    How do I know if my essay topic is too broad?

    I thought I had the perfect topic: "The Impact of Social Media on Society." My professor wrote "too broad" in red and suggested I narrow it. I was frustrated — it seemed perfectly reasonable to me. After office hours, I finally understand what "too broad" means. A topic is too broad if you...
  11. Petra

    Is it cheating to use ChatGPT for essay ideas?

    I've been staring at a blank screen for hours. My friend suggested asking ChatGPT for topic ideas. At first I said no — feels like cheating. But then I thought... is brainstorming really cheating? One professor wrote that using AI to generate ideas isn't automatically wrong, but you have to be...
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