The role of writing in the high school curriculum has evolved drastically over the last few decades alongside the digital media explosion, the advent of laptops and tablets in the classroom, and the arrival of ChatGPT. Fewer students are hunching over Blue Books, racing to hand-write a five-paragraph essay defending their stance on the leading cause of the Civil War. In what can sometimes feel like a game of Whack-a-Mole in trying to stay relevant and capture students’ ever-fragmenting attention, teachers are devising creative, less writing-focused assessments. In lieu of writing a ten-page analytical essay on a novel, students might be asked to record a podcast from the main character’s voice; or to engage in a debate rather than write a historical research paper incorporating ten sources and asserting an original thesis.
THE VALUE OF WRITING
It’s easy to question the value of writing in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. Why write a letter when we can email? Why text when we can Snap? Why sweat for hours carefully constructing an essay…when AI can do it in a split second?
Here’s a case for why writing in high school is more valuable than ever.
Writing builds critical thinking. While AI tools can generate essays quickly, they can’t replicate the process—or the cognitive workout—of critical thinking. Writing requires students to evaluate evidence, synthesize ideas, and make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. This exercise—which relies on metacognition—builds mental muscles essential for everything from crafting arguments in a courtroom to solving complex problems in engineering.
Writing teaches resilience and independence. The process of writing—drafting, revising, editing—helps students confront imperfection, respond productively to feedback, and develop resilience. Great writing doesn’t happen on the first try, and grappling with feedback or writer’s block helps students build perseverance that transfers to future challenges they’ll face. And, unlike collaborative assessments like group projects or debates, writing is a solitary process that requires students to take ownership of their arguments, ideas, and presentation—again fostering independence and self-reliance.
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Writing promotes self-reflection and emotional intelligence. Journaling, personal essays, and reflective writing assignments help students develop self-awareness. This introspection fosters emotional intelligence, enabling students to articulate their thoughts more effectively in personal and professional relationships, and to better intuit the feelings of others they’ll serve or collaborate with. Especially in our increasingly digital world, the ability to connect authentically with others—whether in the form of a hand-written thank-you note, or an unsolicited email to a classmate or colleague expressing your appreciation of them—leaves a lasting impact.
Writing is a tool for advocacy and social change. Writing empowers students to amplify their voices and advocate for causes they care about. In today’s moment of political polarization, climate anxiety, and humanitarian crises, writing skills equip students to express their thoughts and take action. Whether drafting a letter to a local representative, publishing an opinion piece, or crafting a social media campaign, a strong writer can use their skill to effect change.
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Writing is key to success in college admissions and beyond. College admissions officers rely on student essays to understand applicants beyond their grades and test scores. A well-written college essay allows students to highlight their distinctive experiences and convey a sense of personality and perspective—it can be a deciding factor between candidates in a competitive applicant pool. Admissions readers are also looking to a candidate’s writing skills as evidence of how they will fare in college classes, where they will be expected to write everything from lab reports, research papers, analytical and personal essays, and case studies.
Beyond college, writing skills will be an asset in any career field. Engineers write proposals, marketers create persuasive copy, lawyers draft compelling arguments, and scientists write research articles. Being able to write clearly and effectively not only opens doors to professional opportunities but also helps you stand out and advance in your career.
In the end, writing is about thinking. The act of writing gets students to slow down and think deeply. It helps them clarify what they believe, why they believe it, and how to communicate it effectively. The writing process isn’t just about producing words on a page—it’s about shaping the way students approach the world.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLISHING
Publishing your writing in high school can be incredibly valuable for personal and academic growth. It boosts your confidence as a writer, helps you develop a stronger sense of voice, and can even improve your writing skills through feedback and revision. Getting your work out there, whether through school publications, blogs, or national contests, opens up opportunities for recognition, and even career exploration in fields like journalism, creative writing, or communications. Most importantly, it encourages you to share your ideas and connect with others who might relate to your perspective.
Having published writing as a high school student also significantly enhances your college admissions profile by showcasing your commitment, creativity, and initiative. Having tangible evidence of your achievements demonstrates to admissions committees that you are proactive, passionate about your interests, capable of producing high-quality work that resonates with others, and it helps set you a part from your peers, in an always competitive applicant pool.
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At TTA, writing is fundamental to our work with students—and not only in supporting them through college application essays. We coach students through publishing their creative and analytical work, helping them refine their ideas, strengthen their arguments, and navigate the submission process for literary magazines, academic journals, and online platforms. We also encourage students to enter well-respected writing contests, guiding them in selecting the right competitions, tailoring their pieces for different audiences, and polishing their work to meet professional standards.
Beyond academic and creative writing, we help students craft compelling outreach emails to organizations for volunteer opportunities and to professors for research positions. This includes teaching them how to introduce themselves effectively, articulate their interests and qualifications, and express genuine enthusiasm for potential collaborations. By mastering these communication skills, students not only increase their chances of securing meaningful extracurricular experiences but also develop confidence in professional and academic correspondence—an essential skill that will serve them well in college and beyond.
Stay tuned for our April webinar with Robert Nasson, Editor of The Concord Review, the only quarterly journal in the world to publish the academic research papers of secondary students!
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Anita holds a BA in Philosophy from Princeton, where she is an alumni class officer and former interviewer, and an MA in English from Middlebury. At Princeton she also contributed her drive and competitiveness to the women’s lacrosse team, winning an NCAA Division I National Championship and three Ivy League Championships while earning national scholar-athlete academic distinction and the Connie McAllister athletic department award for “effort, selfless dedication, enthusiasm and heart.” She brings these qualities to her relationships with students as she helps to bring out the best in them.
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