As if college students don’t have enough of a bad rap after research showed they don’t know to err…research, now they don’t know how to write either!

That might be stretching it, but the Framework for Success in Postsecondary Writing has been developed to prepare students for college success in the writing department. The framework looks at eight habits of the mind that are essential for college readiness.

• Curiosity
• Openness
• Engagement
• Creativity
• Persistence
• Responsibility
• Flexibility
• Metacognition

While some are transparent in their meaning, others like metacognition require definition; the ability to decipher one’s own thinking to structure knowledge. Let’s explore the rest and how they can prepare you for “winning” in college.

Curiosity should be used to explore, ask questions and seek information about a subject; find your inner investigative journalist.

With openness you need to be able to think differently and discover new methods of research as well as learning to take in constructive criticism from peers and teachers. Yes, you can use google but don’t let it be your only resource.  Explore those hundred dollar textbooks you paid for and don’t be afraid to ask for help from librarians, professors and your peers.

Engagement revolves around the ability to find new meanings and connections, and make connections between your own ideas and that of others. Group projects are practically a requirement in college, whether you’re studying business or psychology you will have to connect with your fellow classmates.

Creativity is fairly simple, do things differently and outside of your comfort zone. Think differently, strategize differently and write differently. Most students develop a habit of writing one way and do not stray beyond the atypical five paragraph essay; but that is why it is college composition not high school English.

Persisting to finish that paper, and do it right is by far one of the most important habits a student must develop. If it wasn’t for persistence than Redbull and Starbucks stocks would plummet.

Flexibility comes when your professor tells you that due to some sort of crisis your terms papers are now due a week early. Or when they decide to change the amount of references you need or how long the paper should be. Prepare for it cause it will happen, just sayin’.

Developing the skills you need for a successful college career comes with time, taking a free online course can prep you for what to expect.  In the next part of this two-part series we will offer tips for college writing such as understanding citations, finding good resources and brainstorming.