Gunnar Kaiser Gruppe

Why Writing Essays Is Harder for College Students Than for High Schoolers

Transitioning from high school to college brings many challenges, and one of the most daunting is the shift in essay writing expectations. For high school students, essays often follow a set format and focus on familiar topics. The structure is straightforward, with clear guidelines and less emphasis on critical analysis.

In college, however, essay writing demands a higher level of critical thinking and originality. College essays require students to engage with complex topics, conduct in-depth research, and present well-argued positions. The expectation for nuanced arguments and the need to integrate diverse sources can be overwhelming. Additionally, college assignments often come with less explicit guidance, requiring students to independently navigate academic conventions.