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Myth #1: The Writing Center is only for inexperienced writers.

Reality: The Center is for writers of all styles and skill levels.

Myth #2: The Writing Center "cleans up," "fixes," or proofreads my papers before I submit them.

Reality: Proofreading, the final stage of the writing process, is vitally important to a writer’s finished work. The Writing Center believes that proofreading is the primary responsibility of the writer who owns the writing. Therefore, Writing Center tutors are available to assist writers in developing their own effective proofreading strategies.

Myth #3: The Writing Center will make my writing perfect.

Reality: We believe there is no such thing as perfect writing, but every writer has areas where they can learn and grow. Our aim is not to make better pieces of writing but to make better writers.

Myth #4: Writing tutors possess all knowledge about writing.

Reality: No one knows everything about writing. While our tutors know quite a bit, there may be times when they don't know the answer to the a question and will work with you to figure it out. You can also ask the front desk about our tutors' specialties to find a tutor who is particularly knowledgeable or excited about a particular subject.

Myth #5: Advanced writers don't go to the Writing Center.

Reality: Even our tutors utilize the Center for their own writing projects and assignments. We can talk with you about writing concepts, techniques, and how to find a process that works for you. All writers struggle sometimes, and all writers can benefit from talking through their ideas with another writer.

Myth #6: I can drop off my paper, come back later, and it will be corrected.

Reality: The Writing Center's philosophy is that writers can best improve their writing through a process of feedback with readers, rather than simply having their papers "corrected." As such, we promote a one-on-one environment where writers interact with tutors to improve their writing and their process.

Myth #7: Bringing my paper in shortly before it is due will significantly improve its quality.

Reality: In fact, if you're bringing a paper in an hour before it is due, you haven't left yourself any time at all to do a thoughtful and useful revision of the assignment you are working on. We strongly encourage writers to build the Center into their writing process and bring their work in a few days before it is due to allow ample time for reflection and revision.

Myth #8: Tutors will read my paper ahead of time.

Reality: Tutors see enough writers per day that this is not only impractical but impossible. We also think it's better when both the writer and the tutor review the paper at the same time so that they can discuss any questions or reflections in real time. Please note that tutors cannot meet anywhere off-campus.

Myth #9: Tutors know all the material in my program.

Reality: Tutors do not do any of the readings for any program on campus other than the ones that they are enrolled in as students themselves. Tutors depend largely on writers to inform them about their assignment and whatever reading was necessary for that assignment. Thus, bringing a written copy of the prompt or instructions from your faculty can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of your session.

Myth #10: Appointments are required at the Writing Center.

Reality: While it's recommended that you make appointments, both the Olympia campus and Tacoma campus Writing Centers accommodate and welcome drop-in writers. Although we may not require appointments, we do recommend that writers make an appointment in order to ensure that they can see a tutor at the time that they come in. This is especially recommended during our peak times in the last three weeks (Week 9, 10, and Eval Week) of every quarter.