Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a collection of Frequently Asked Questions about the Writing Center. Chances are, if you have a question, there is probably an answer for it right here. So before you contact the Writing Center, please check here because it may save you some valuable time!

1: What kind of help can I get?
Answer: Free, half-hour, one-on-one conferences with a peer writing consultant, on writing assignments for Alexandria Campus classes. Or free online consultations (look for more info here).

2: Can you give me a writing assignment to work on?
Answer: No, we leave that to the experts - your professors.

3: Who can get help?
Answer: Any student enrolled in a class on this campus (except ESL 002, 005, 007, or 011).

4: Are appointments necessary?
Answer: For guaranteed help, yes. Call (703) 845-6054 for an appointment, or sign up in the schedule book in 340 Bisdorf. If you don’t have time for an appointment, try using our Online Consultation through our website.

5: Can I come without an appointment?
Answer: Yes. If we are not busy, we will help. If we’re too busy, go to our website for a Online Consultation.

6: Should I write my paper first?
Answer: It’s a good idea if you do, but we offer help for all stages of the writing process: focusing, planning, organizing, revising, and editing.  

7: Will you tell my professor?
Answer:   That’s your decision. If you’d like the session to be confidential, just tell the writing consultant.