So, you sit down to get started on an essay, and your mind goes blank. Don’t freak out; writing at a university level can seem daunting. Never fear, once you get into the rhythm of it, essay writing will become old news (dare I say fun?).

Before getting down to business, you should create a plan, and, if you’re prone to procrastination like most people, a timeline. Perhaps, in high school, you churned out most of your essays the night before, but to produce your best work and reduce stress, you’ll want to kick that habit as soon as possible.

Here's a sample checklist; it is especially useful when you have multiple essays on the go.