Graduate school brings a lot of new challenges, and writing is often one of the biggest! Whether you are writing a research paper, reflective essay, or literary review, you might be at a loss for how to begin. Grad school has higher expectations for clarity, depth, and critical thinking than undergrad. The good news is that writing at this level doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s about being more thoughtful and intentional with your words.
In this guide, we break down what graduate-level writing is, offer practical tips for improving your writing, and share some advice from our very own Dean of Graduate Studies, Dr. Terri Camesano. If you are getting ready for your first semester soon, are sharpening your existing habits, this guide is for you!
How Graduate-Level Writing Differs—and Why It Matters
Before we get into how to write at a graduate level, it’s important to understand why it’s important anyway.
Graduate school pushes you to be a more critical thinker, analyze more deeply, and actually contribute to conversations in the field. Therefore, your writing should carry the clarity and authority of a trusted voice in your field. At this level, you should be able to translate complex ideas and communicate them clearly, support them with evidence, and adopt a scholarly tone.
Writing becomes more than just a way of sharing information, but a way to demonstrate your expertise and understanding of your field.
Top 10 Tips to Strengthen Your Graduate Writing Skills
Now that you know why writing at an advanced level is important, you can work on strengthening those writing skills! These are our top 10 tips for graduate students on how to improve:
1. Start off strong
Begin your paper with a strong and clear purpose or argument. Ask yourself: What am I trying to say, and why does it matter?
2. Know your sources and how to use them
Get comfortable using academic sources like peer-reviewed journals, scholarly books, and reliable data. Google and ChatGPT are only tools to lead you in the right direction. Visit or contact your school’s library for database and citation tools.
3. Think critically, and in your own voice
Don’t just summarize- grad-level writing goes beyond that. Analyze, synthesize, and offer your own insights, when appropriate.
4. Show, not tell- confidently
This is true especially for STEM writing. Be descriptive in the things you specifically did, not what others might have done. Avoid vague qualifiers like ‘tends to,’ ‘often,’ or ‘somewhat’—STEM writing should be as precise and confident as the data allows.
5. Organize your writing
Outlines are very important for mapping out your argument. They can help you stay focused, build out a logical flow, and make sure you get all the important parts in your writing.
6. Be clear and concise
Academic writing shouldn’t be confusing. Aim for clarity and accessibility—someone outside your field should still be able to grasp the basics of your experiment or argument. Avoid unnecessary jargon when possible, and keep sentences short, direct, and easy to follow.
7. Revise, revise, revise!
Your first draft should never be your last. Step away from your work periodically and look at it again with a fresh perspective. You can focus on the overall paper (big picture) and make small tweaks to word choices also. And on the same note:
8. Ask for Feedback
Use your professors, peers, mentors, and writing center resources. Professors, in particular, care deeply about the integrity of your writing, so don’t be surprised if their feedback is direct. Take their comments (blunt as they may be) as a tool to make your writing more polished, precise, and academically sound.
9. Learn Citation Etiquette
Whether it’s APA, MLA, or Chicago, accurate citation is essential to your credibility and protects you from plagiarism. Learn what your professor prefers and the industry standard. Seek help from either your library or your school’s writing center if you need more help.
10. Read Academic Work Regularly
Reading academic work can help make your writing more natural. Pay attention to the structure, tone, and how claims are supported. Over time, you will absorb the rhythm of academic writing, and it will become second nature!
How to Craft the Perfect Graduate Paper
Sitting down to write your paper can feel intimidating! Here are some steps to get you started, and you’ll be a pro in no time.
1. Get a feel for the assignment
Make sure you understand the prompt carefully before you begin to write. Ask yourself, what is the professor looking for? A persuasive argument, a scientific report on an experiment, or a research proposal? Allow yourself plenty of time to ask clarifying questions if needed.
2. Choose an original angle.
Broad topics = vague papers. Narrow your focus on a specific issue. Aim for originality. What are you contributing to this conversation? Why would someone want to read it?
3. Do your research beforehand.
Use real, credible sources to back up your argument, like journals, academic papers, and books. Take organized notes and track citations as you go (this will save you time later!)
4. Craft your thesis statement
This is the most essential part of your paper! Your thesis should be specific, debatable, and preview the argument you will support.
5. Work on your paper’s structure
Make a brief outline before you draft, with each section serving a purpose:
- Introduction: set the stage for your argument and present your thesis
- Body paragraphs: each one should cover one main idea, backed supported by evidence
- Conclusion: Tie together your paper and reflect on the implications.
Research papers and scientific papers often follow different structural formats, such as:
- Introductions/Abstract
- Literature Review- Key theories, previous research findings
- Methodology- Research design, data collection methods, analysis techniques
- Findings- Presentation of Data, analysis and discussion of findings
- Conclusion- summary, implications, and future research
6. Support your claims with data or evidence
Use data, citations, examples, and expert opinions to support your argument. Always relate why and how that evidence matters to your point.
7. Write clearly and concisely
Use clear and formal language. Avoid filler, clichés, or overly complex sentences. Make every sentence count!
8. Cite your sources appropriately
Plagiarism can hurt your credibility, even by accident, so citing your sources is incredibly important! Use the correct citation style and stay consistent. Reach out to your professor or your library for help if needed!
9. Edit, then edit again.
Never submit your first draft! Read your writing out loud, check for spelling and grammar issues, and revise the flow if needed. Leave ample time to fix any errors.
10. Get trusted feedback before submitting
Visit the writing center, TA or professor office hours. Their feedback can make a huge difference in your final grade!
Writing Resources for Grad Students
These websites and resources can help you with common questions and issues when writing:
Advice on Personal Statements and Essays
Typical Mistakes that Non-native Speakers of English Make When Writing Scientific Documents (PDF)
University of Wisconsin Writing Center
Writing Resources from the University of Purdue
Creating Scientific Posters and Giving Presentations
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Style Manual
Style converter (MLA, APA, Chicago)
The Gutenberg E-Text Home Page
If you feel like your writing could use even more help, consider taking a professional writing course offered at your school.
Interview with Dean Terri A. Camesano
Terri A. Camesano, PhD, has served as the Dean of Graduate Studies at WPI since 2014- the institute’s first full-time leader in this role! Her academic background comes from both chemical and environmental engineering, and Dean Camesano brings decades of experience in graduate education. She oversees everything from admissions to professional development, online to professional programs, and so much more. Dean Camesano has been a longtime member of the Chemical Engineering faculty here at WPI (since 2000!), and we are excited to have her share her insights on graduate-level writing!
1. In your view, what distinguishes strong graduate-level writing from undergraduate writing?
“At the graduate level, writing is really about depth and clarity. It’s not just about summarizing what you’ve learned, it’s about contributing to a conversation in your field. That means articulating your ideas clearly, supporting them with evidence, and showing how they connect to broader issues or challenges. Good graduate writing demonstrates original thinking, but it also reflects an awareness of what others have said before you.”
2. What common writing challenges do you see graduate students face, and how can they overcome them?
“One of the most common challenges I see is confidence. Many students feel unsure about writing, especially when they’re stepping into a new discipline or writing in a second language. Another issue is trying to sound “academic” and ending up with overly complex or unclear sentences. The best way to overcome both is to read widely in your field, seek feedback, and write regularly. Writing is a skill- it improves with practice and patience.”
3. How important is writing across different disciplines at the graduate level, even in STEM fields?
“It’s essential! Whether you’re presenting your research findings, drafting a grant proposal, or publishing a paper, the ability to communicate your work clearly is non-negotiable. In STEM especially, your ability to explain complex concepts in a way others can understand is what turns good science into impact. Writing connects your work to a broader audience, and often determines how far that work can go.”
4. What resources or habits do you recommend for students who want to strengthen their academic writing?
“Start by building a habit of writing consistently, even in small amounts. Set aside time each week for writing and revising. I also encourage students to take advantage of writing centers, peer review groups, and writing workshops. And don’t underestimate the value of reading—seeing how strong academic writing is structured can be one of the best ways to improve your own.”
5. Why do you believe strong writing skills are essential for success in graduate school and beyond?
“Writing is how we share ideas, influence decisions, and advance knowledge. Whether you’re in research, industry, or public policy, clear communication sets you apart. It helps you secure funding, collaborate effectively, and demonstrate the societal benefits of your work. Graduate school is the perfect time to hone that skill, and it’s one that will continue to serve you for the rest of your career.”