7 Tips to Stop Procrastinating With Writing College Essays

Students often find essay writing to be boring. Due to the high academic demands, they can't keep pace and manage the workflow. They often collapse under pressure and postpone work on papers until the last minute.

This is a sure way to struggle with assignments and run into trouble.

Students often don’t have the motivation or will to approach essays head-on. With time, unfinished essays can pile up and result in frantic all-nighters. There are several things students can use to be on time with assignments. With their help, anybody can ace an essay and deliver it on time.


1. Create A Schedule

Create A Schedule

The first thing students have to do is create a schedule for their essays. You can always count on using a “do my essay for me” service and look for help there. They can write a foundation for the entire essay structure. This is done by:

  • Dividing the project into sections
  • Estimating the time it will take to finish each of them

Depending on the complexity of a topic, it might take longer to research it. But, creating an outline may take less than you thought. Next, it's important to set the time when you’ll work on a particular paper. It’s better to include it in your daily schedule.


2. Work With A Timer

Another important tip for stopping procrastination is using a timer or alarms. It helps distinguish between work and breaks time. Once the clock starts, focus only on the work at hand and get rid of any distractions. It's important to block the routine into 45 minutes of work and 15 minutes of rest. Some people find the Pomodoro technique more effective.

It breaks down the cycle into 25-minute work and 5-minute rest periods. But, it's best to find a timetable that better suits you. The important thing is not to overwork yourself. Otherwise, you might suffer from burnout and will be less eager to finish. During these breaks, exercise a little, go for a walk, or have a healthy snack.


3. Develop Several Drafts

In some cases, students can't start writing because they don’t understand the topic enough. When this happens, it's important to experiment with drafts a bit. In the first version of the essay, one should write down basic ideas of what it should look like. Write for 20 minutes or so and check it out.

Look at the draft and search for weaknesses and issues with the argument and text. Ask yourself if the content of the raw paper answers its question. Consult with a fellow student or friend for feedback to make sure you stay on track. If the draft is finished way before the deadline, ask for advice from your professor.


4. Avoid Distractions

Avoid Distractions

It's important that a student works on an essay without distractions. They greatly add to procrastination habits. It's important to find a good place to work that's quiet and comfortable. If possible, turn off the smartphone completely and disable Wi-Fi. When one or both of these things are impossible, try:

  • Installing an app blocker on your phone. This will make apps like Facebook and YouTube accessible only after work hours.
  • Getting website blocker extensions for a mobile browser that serve the same purpose.
  • Notify everybody near that you don’t want to be distracted for the next couple of hours.
  • Search music streaming services for study-specific playlists.

With these things in place, you’ll be more inclined and ready to work on the assignment.


5. Proofread Everything

Once the paper is done, check it for logical and grammatical mistakes. Don’t rush; take as much time as possible before submitting it. Letting the article sit for a bit and returning to it may shed light on its strengths and weaknesses. Looking at the paper from another device may give a new perspective on the text.

In some cases, students write too many words. Then they have to re-edit the text to fit the limit. Proofreading makes sure that the text is well-written. For example, an essay will become less readable if it's mainly in the passive voice. Finally, students have to check if the text has appropriate references. This leads to better essay writing skills.


6. Don’t Forget To Reward Yourself

An important thing about keeping procrastination at bay is remembering to reward yourself. It's important to celebrate the progress that you’ve made.

Students should give themselves small rewards after completing several parts of the assignment. Finishing the essay should result in a bigger gift. It’s important to reserve this only for the most challenging papers.


7. Keep A Positive Outlook

Keep A Positive Outlook

Working on an essay for too long can make you feel down. That’s why keeping an optimistic attitude when doing the work is important. Writing essays should feel more like a fun activity rather than something to be done with. With this attitude, students are less likely to procrastinate and finish the assignment.

Think of it as a way to improve your writing and analytical skills. If you’re stuck on a paper, try discussing it with fellow students. It's also a good idea to join a writing community if there’s one on campus. Working in groups is also a nice inspirational booster. You can look at each other's essays and tell how they can be improved.


Conclusion

Both seasoned and casual essay writers can use this advice to hone their skills. Create the right conditions, divide the work into chunks and stay focused. Stick to these tips, and you’ll finish the following essay in no time.

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