Each residential college has its own Residential College Writing Tutor, also known as a Bass Writing Tutor. Many of them are professional writers, most have taught writing courses at Yale or other colleges, and all of them are here to help you improve your writing. Please note that meeting with a Residential College Writing Tutor requires you to make a reservation and share your draft before your consultation. Students tend to meet with Residential College Writing Tutors for larger papers such as finals and theses.
Individualized Support for Yale College Writers
“When I first came to Yale, I realized I didn’t know how to write well. I brought my first paper to the tutor in my college. She had a way of gently yet directly telling you what to work on while making sure you feel good about your work. Since then, I’ve seen her for almost every paper I’ve written, from science classes to history classes. She helped me grow as a writer and student. I’ve now published two papers in academic journals, and I couldn’t have done it without her. I owe my development as a writer and student to the writing center for being accessible and supportive.”
~Yale College Student
Meet with a Writing Tutor
- Make an appointment with your college’s Writing Tutor.
- Carefully read the confirmation email, as each tutor offers slightly different instructions about preparing for appointments.
What to Expect
Many tutors will read your paper in advance, although a few prefer that you read it together. Either way, most sessions will start with the tutor asking you what you hope to accomplish, which might include questions about the assignment or a discussion of your experience writing similar papers. The tutor will then discuss the most important areas for revision. Tutors won’t tell you exactly what to do to fix your essay, but they will help you figure out strategies for revision (often focusing on your paper’s structure or claims), offer suggestions, and reinforce strong writing habits.
Eligibility
Residential College Writing Tutors work with Yale College undergraduates. Please visit the Graduate Writing Lab if you are a graduate student seeking assistance.
Yale’s Residential College Writing Tutors
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Writing Partners
Meet with a peer writing tutor for low-stakes help with a paper at any point in the writing process.
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Writing Resources
Check out our handouts on writing skills, examples of strong essays, and additional resources and writing tips.
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Weekly and Fellowship Writing Partners
Meet with the same Writing Partner weekly for assistance with a writing class or fellowship application.
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The Poorvu Center Writing Contest
Students can submit their essays showcasing exemplary writing at the undergraduate level.
We’re here to help!
Reach out to the Poorvu Center team if you have any questions or to learn more about our programs.