Be sure you understand the purpose of each assignment and the standards by which it will be judged. Others will require your reflections on personal experience or specific texts. Some professors are looking for analysis while others expect a carefully argued interpretation. Ask your professors about their specific goals and criteria. Learn to build revision into your composing process.
Many students arrive in college proud of their ability to crank out a paper in a single draft.
But nearly all discover that their papers, and grades, improve when they take time for a careful second look at a draft and then do some re-writing. Most professors will be glad to discuss your writing plans and problems or even a draft of your work during office hours. Come prepared with ideas or questions, though. Avoid jargon and pompous or inflated language. In the survey, professors often mentioned these as pet peeves.