Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Writing Center?

We have centers in the Library and Information Hub on both Oceanside and San Elijo campuses.

How much does it cost?

Nothing, not one thin dime. This is a free service so take advantage!

When is the Writing Center open?

Our hours are updated each semester. For updated hours, please check our website's home page. The most current information will always be available there.

How do I make an appointment?

Call us at (760) 795-6861, visit our "Make an Appointment" link, or stop by one of our locations. You can make an appointment same-day or up to 10 days in advance. You can have one appointment per day, everyday if you like! You'll also need to select whether you're coming in for writing feedback, reading assistance, or to work on learning parts of speech (grammar).

What is TASTER appointment?

So glad you asked! Have you ever wondered how to use The Writing Center? Then a TASTER appointment is going to help put our services and appointment types into perspective. You give us 15 minutes of your time, and in return you get to meet our friendly staff, tour the space, and discuss how you can utilize The Writing Center over the course of your educational career at MiraCosta College.

Why on Earth would I want to make a TASTER appointment like this?

First and foremost you’d want an appointment like this to become familiar with the space, services, and consultants. Otherwise, rumor has it at the end of this particular appointment, you will be gifted with a goody-bag!

Can I make another appointment the same day as my TASTER?

Absolutely. While we normally have a one appointment per day policy, we will bend the rules in this case so that you can immediately use the services you’ve just learned about.

I already know how to read. Why would I make a reading appointment?

If you’ve ever found yourself feeling overwhelmed by readings you have to get through, or caught yourself getting distracted and reading the same paragraph over and over, a reading appointment might be useful for you. A reading consultant can provide you with techniques and strategies to get through your readings more efficiently and quickly.

My textbook is filled with boxes with weird information. Would a reading appointment help me understand how to get more out of reading a textbook?

Absolutely. Lots of textbooks don’t seem organized and they make reading seem complicated. But once you learn what order to read thing in and what to focus on, you can get a lot more out of a textbook in a lot less time.

I want somebody to check my grammar. Will you do that?

Our ‘Parts of Speech’ appointments are grammar-focused. However, consultants will not proofread your paper or check your entire essay for grammar errors. What they will do is read through one paragraph and identify common grammatical errors you may be making, then give you tools to identify errors and continue correcting them on your own.

I'm applying for a scholarship. Can you help me?

Our consultants receive special scholarship training and can assist you in any part of the scholarship writing process, from helping you brainstorm a response for a scholarship essay all the way to the finishing touches. We recommend that you book scholarship appointments in advance as they fill up especially quickly.

I have to write a transfer essay. Can you help me with that, too?

Yes we can! Our transfer consultants have all transferred themselves and can assist you in many areas, from brainstorming to revision. As application deadlines approach in fall, we have special transfer drop-in hours available. Check our main page for specifics.

When should I come?

The earlier, the better. But we recognize that lives are busy and we're often completing assignments right up to deadlines. If you're here a week in advance--fantastic! A couple days in advance--great! Several hours before it's due-ok. One hour before you expect to hand it in--forget it. At that point, we usually can't be of much help.

How do I prepare for a session?

Bring your writing from any class along with the assignment sheet if possible. Come with any specific questions you might have about your introduction, your thesis, or any other part of your paper. You'll get the most out of a session if you're focused on what you want and need.

What if I don't know where to start?

That's ok. We can discuss your assignment with you and help you brainstorm ideas.

Does my paper have to be finished?

No, we can help at any stage of the process. You can bring in an assignment to discuss your ideas. You can bring a paragraph, a page, or a completed draft of a paper. We can help you assess whatever you've got done so far.

What can I expect?

Writing consultants provide personalized attention to students during 30-minute appointments. While we can't offer an editing service, we can look over your writing and offer suggestions, model successful writing strategies, and help identify patterns of problems that are specific to your writing. You will work one-to-one with a writing consultant who may ask you to read your work aloud, take notes, and try new writing techniques. We ask a lot of questions, so be prepared to discuss your writing.

Who are the writing consultants?

The writing consultants are peers who are good writers. They've been recommended by faculty; they are friendly and work well with people; and they've been trained in both tutoring and working with writers. While some are English students, others are from history, psychology, anthropology, behavioral sciences, and many other disciplines.

Can I get a job in the Writing Center?

Why not? We hire each spring based on faculty recommendations, good writing abilities, and friendly personalities. If you're interested, visit our "Hiring Information" link for more information..