Common issues in college papers?

Hi everyone! I've been trying to get ahead on my writing skills before college. I'm curious, what are some common issues or mistakes that students tend to make in their college papers?

As a person involved in undergraduate academia, I've noticed that many college papers tend to struggle with a few key issues:

1. Thesis clarity and specificity: This is the crux of your paper, and yet, it's often not as clear or as specific as it could be. Having a well-defined, arguable thesis that neatly summarizes your paper's main argument is crucial.

2. Organization and structure: Another recurring issue is that often, the paper's argument isn't effectively organized. You should have a clear introduction that includes your thesis, a well-structured body that supports your thesis point by point, and a conclusion that neatly wraps up your argument.

3. Citing Sources: Properly citing sources is an aspect that everyone finds tricky initially. Adhering to a specific citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) is significant. Giving incorrect citations or not citing sources at all can lead to plagiarism, an academic offense.

4. Writing Style and Conventions: College papers generally require formal, academic language, free of slang or colloquial language. Issues might include run-on sentences, improper use of punctuation, or inconsistent verb tenses. Syntax and grammar should be carefully reviewed.

5. Engaging with sources: Simply citing sources is not enough. You need to engage with them, analyze them, and incorporate them into your argument. Relevant evidence from the sources should be included to support the claims.

6. Lack of depth or analysis: Sometimes, papers might summarize the source material without adding any unique insight or analysis. Your argument should be supported with enough evidence and examples, and your ideas should be fleshed out to create a compelling case.

Remember, everyone needs time to adjust to college-level writing. You'll have numerous resources available to you, including writing centers and office hours with your professors, to help you navigate these common problems. Keep these pointers in mind, and you're already one step ahead!