The college curriculum is quite challenging no matter what your major is. And there is nothing wrong with needing a little bit of help. Yet, many students feel that asking for it is a weakness. Some worry about what others will think of them and some do not even know how to formulate the request.
No matter what part of the curriculum you have difficulties with, there are always people that can help. “Can they write my essay for me?” you may ask. Yes, professionals at https://essayhub.com/write-my-essay can tackle any assignment. You can even check the best essay writing services on https://nocramming.com/ to be sure of that. And there are other types of academic requests you might have. Here are the most effective ways to ask for academic help.
1. Recognize What Kind of Help You Need
The first thing to do is to acknowledge the problem. There are several problems a student can run into, such as:
- Difficulties with a particular task, essay, equation, etc.
- Struggling with a specific term, concept, or another piece of information;
- Not knowing how to approach a problem;
- Not knowing where to find relevant information, etc.
Maybe it is something simple and you just need to find a suitable blog, web source, or library entry that will give you all the answers. For example, you can start by searching for a solution online and maybe some services can offer the academic help you need. In any case, remember that there is nothing wrong with asking for help, although it might be very difficult. There are several symptoms that can notify you that you need assistance, such as confusion, frustration, lack of motivation. If you avoid particular classes or lectures, or tend to procrastinate more than usual, reconsider your actions.
2. Specify the Problem
Before you ask for assistance or advice, it is necessary to make the request specific and comprehensive. For example, a request like “I do not know how to write an essay” is not specific. It shows a passive approach to studies. And it sounds like you have no idea about any part of the assignment. It is probably not the case.
Think about the exact point you struggle with. For example, you’ve done the research, made an outline, but cannot choose the strongest arguments, or have difficulties with the flow. This is the issue you need to ask the help with. Not the whole essay. Be proactive and identify the exact aspect you cannot do before approaching anyone.
3. Think Who to Ask
The next step is to figure out who to approach. It can be anyone, for example, your classmate or neighbor from your dorm, professor or tutor, college counselor, librarian, writing service, etc. It depends on what the issue is. Think about the way to build communication and words to start. Members of college staff can be approached via email. Friends or colleagues do not require formalities. Although, it is always a good idea to be respectful.
Remember – everyone needs help once in a while, and sometimes anxiety is the problem. But there is no need to deal with everything on your own.
4. Be Precise
Professors and college staff always want to help students. They genuinely want you to succeed, so they will try to help. But one needs to understand that their time is limited. And they probably have several other appointments or emails to take care of. That’s why you need to have a bullet point list of questions to ask. And be precise with them, do not ask something too general or out of the common knowledge. Everything you can Google in minutes should not be a matter of conversation.
For example, do not ask something like “how to write an argumentative essay”. Professor won’t have time to explain basic things. Formulate the question differently. For instance, one might say “What rhetoric figures better to use for this particular topic?” Narrow it down and you’ll get the most sufficient answer.
5. Take Notes
One of the main differences between high-school and college is the level of freedom a student gets. But it also comes with higher expectations and a more responsible approach to studies. It is important not only to figure out the problem, but also find the person to help, and formulate the question correctly. The essential part is to get an answer and use it. Take notes if you have a conversation with a professor or tutor. If it is a written communication – do not lose the emails. Make sure that you actually take this advice and use it for your studies.
In Summary
There is nothing wrong with asking for help, especially when it comes to academics. It is not a weakness, but a strength that allows one to be more active and cautious about their studies. And it is a perfect opportunity to get decent advice that will make your life easier. Just make sure that you know what the problem is and who can help you with it.