Writing Tutorial Center Frequently Asked Questions

How do appointments at the Writing Center work?

We offer one-on-one tutoring sessions with experienced academic professionals; meetings can range anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. They generally begin with a conversation between you and the tutor regarding your goals, the specifics of your assignment, and your concerns—before jumping into your paper.

The main goal of the tutor is to help you define your argument, make appropriate structural and organizational changes, target areas that require clarification, check that you are citing your sources properly, and answer any questions of writing style. After addressing these concerns the tutor can also take a look at your grammar and issues of English language usage. 

What types of help do you offer?

Weekly Appointments

Weekly sessions are available if you need help on longer papers or more regular assistance from a tutor. When you sign up for a weekly appointment, you are assigned to a specific tutor who you will meet with at the same time each week. 

One-Time Appointments

If you encounter a specific assignment that you need some help with, you can sign up for a one-time appointment with a tutor. Be clear what kind of assignment you will be working on when you make the appointment, that way we can connect you with the most suitable tutor for your project. 

Walk-In Tutoring

While it’s usually better to schedule an appointment ahead of time, walk-in sessions are certainly an option. Keep in mind that the WTC gets busy around midterms and finals! We try our best to meet everyone’s needs but priority will be given to scheduled/weekly appointments.

Workshops

During the fall and spring semesters, we periodically host workshops or special presentations. These events can range from learning how to “tell your story” in professional settings to personal journaling or even zine-making. Be sure to check Engage frequently for more information!

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can request an appointment online, email us at wtc@pratt.edu, call 718-636-3459, or stop by the office in North Hall 101.

The earlier that you reach out, the better the chances that you’ll be able to schedule your preferred time slot. 

How long is each appointment?

Appointments can run up to an hour, depending on how much material you have; be sure to plan and prioritize what you reasonably hope to accomplish in that time. If you know your paper will be longer than 4-5 pages, it’s likely going to take multiple sessions to work through.

How often can I make appointments?

We are generally able to offer students one writing (or thesis) appointment and one speaking appointment per week. 

Can I schedule an appointment to work on my graduate thesis?

Yes, the WTC offers thesis tutoring to all graduate students across the institute. Because theses are long and involved projects, there is often a greater emphasis on the discussion of ideas, and the translation of these ideas into clear, effective writing. While individual tutors may be fluent in a variety of topics, it is always the prerogative of the thesis tutor to assist students with their writing, more than the content of the thesis itself.

Weekly appointments are strongly recommended for graduate thesis students.

What other subjects can I schedule tutoring in?

You are welcome to bring in all kinds of written work for any class or personal project — including for English, art history, social science, philosophy, psychology, creative writing, and artist statements. We can help go over professional writing such as resumes and cover letters as well, although we recommend meeting with the Center for Career and Professional Development first to make sure everything is optimized for whatever you’re applying for. 

Specialized tutors are also available for English Language Learners and we offer speaking/conversation sessions to help increase your verbal fluency.

What should I bring to my appointment?

We recommend that you have a printed copy of whatever you’d like to work on, or easy access to a program like Google Docs. It’s often helpful to bring any relevant assignment sheets, notes, drafts, or readings as well.

Can I print my paper at the Writing Center?

Yes, the computer lab located in the back of the WTC offers black and white printing during our office hours; it’s completely free if you are meeting with a tutor. Try to arrive a few minutes early if you need to print your work so that you won’t miss out on any time from your session.

How can I learn about the different tutors?

The majority of our tutors are academic professionals – either part-time faculty members or trained alumni (although we have a few peer tutors on staff too). Our tutors come from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds and together cover a diverse range of Pratt offerings. Check out our Meet the Staff page to learn more about them.

Where can I provide feedback on my experiences?

Following any session, we encourage you to fill out one of our anonymous student surveys. It only takes a few minutes and it helps us a lot!