Student Op-Ed Secrets: Get Published NOW! #OpEdTips

Student Op-Ed Secrets: Writing to Get Published

Getting your voice heard as a student doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. Writing an op-ed is a powerful way to share your perspective on important issues and potentially influence public opinion. This guide breaks down the key elements of crafting a compelling student op-ed, specifically designed to increase your chances of publication.

Understanding the Landscape: Writing Op-Eds as a Student

Before diving into the writing process, it’s crucial to understand what an op-ed is and why publications value student voices.

What is an Op-Ed?

• "Op-Ed" stands for "Opposite the Editorial Page." It’s an opinion piece, typically written by someone not affiliated with the publication’s editorial board.
• Op-eds offer a platform for diverse perspectives, debate, and commentary on current events, social issues, and more.
• They are usually concise (typically 600-800 words) and aim to persuade readers to adopt a particular viewpoint.

Why Student Voices Matter

Publications often seek student perspectives because:

• Students offer unique insights on issues affecting their generation.
• They bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table.
• Publishing student op-eds demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and diverse viewpoints.

Structuring Your Winning Op-Ed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of writing a publishable op-ed. This structure will help you organize your thoughts and create a clear, persuasive argument.

Step 1: Choosing a Timely and Relevant Topic

This is arguably the most critical step. Editors are looking for op-eds that are:

• Timely: Directly related to a current event, news story, or ongoing debate.
• Relevant: Significant to a large audience or a specific community (e.g., students, local residents).
• Specific: Focused on a narrow issue to allow for in-depth analysis.

Example Topic Ideas:

* A student's perspective on the rising cost of college tuition
* The impact of social media on student mental health
* A proposal for improving campus sustainability
* Personal experience with overcoming learning disabilities

Step 2: Crafting a Compelling Hook

The opening paragraph needs to grab the reader’s attention immediately. Consider using one of the following techniques:

• Startling statistic: A surprising fact that highlights the importance of your topic.
• Personal anecdote: A brief, relatable story that illustrates your point.
• Provocative question: A thought-provoking question that challenges the reader’s assumptions.

• Bold statement: A clear and concise declaration of your opinion.

  Example Opening:

  "Every year, millions of dollars are wasted on standardized testing, resources that could be better allocated to supporting teachers and improving classroom learning."

Step 3: Developing Your Argument

This is the heart of your op-ed. You need to:

1. Clearly state your thesis statement: This is your main argument or point of view.
2. Provide evidence to support your claims: Use facts, statistics, expert opinions, and personal experiences to back up your argument.
3. Anticipate and address counterarguments: Acknowledge opposing viewpoints and explain why your argument is more persuasive.

• Structuring Your Argument with the MEAL Plan:

  Element	Description	Example
  Main Idea	The central point of the paragraph.	"Increased access to mental health resources is essential for student success."
  Evidence	Data, examples, anecdotes, or expert opinions that support the main idea.	"A recent study showed that students with access to counseling services have higher graduation rates."
  Analysis	Explanation of how the evidence supports the main idea and connects to your overall argument.	"This demonstrates that providing mental health support directly contributes to academic achievement."
  Link	Connect the paragraph back to your thesis statement or transition to the next point.	"Therefore, universities have a responsibility to prioritize student mental health."

Step 4: Writing a Strong Conclusion

Your conclusion should:

• Summarize your main points: Briefly recap your argument without being repetitive.
• Offer a call to action: Encourage readers to take a specific action, such as contacting their representatives or supporting a particular cause.

• Leave a lasting impression: End with a powerful statement that resonates with the reader.

  Example Conclusion:

  "Investing in student mental health is not just a moral imperative; it's an investment in the future. Let's urge our policymakers to prioritize funding for campus mental health services, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive."

Step 5: Polish, Polish, Polish

Even the best ideas can be lost in poor writing.

• Proofread carefully: Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
• Seek feedback: Ask friends, teachers, or writing center staff to review your op-ed.
• Read it aloud: This helps you identify awkward phrasing and areas for improvement.
• Adhere to the publication’s guidelines: Pay attention to word count, formatting requirements, and submission instructions.

Getting Published: Finding the Right Outlet

Finding the right publication is just as important as writing a good op-ed.

Identifying Potential Publications

• Local Newspapers: A great starting point for students.
• University Newspapers: An excellent place to reach a campus audience.
• National Publications: More competitive, but offer wider reach.
• Online Blogs and Websites: Offer opportunities for niche topics.

Tailoring Your Op-Ed to the Publication

• Read past op-eds: Familiarize yourself with the publication’s style and tone.
• Consider the audience: Adjust your language and examples to resonate with the publication’s readers.
• Follow submission guidelines: Pay close attention to word count, formatting requirements, and submission instructions.

Writing a Compelling Pitch

Your pitch is your first impression, so make it count.

• Subject Line: Be clear and concise (e.g., "Op-Ed Submission: [Your Topic]").
• Brief Summary: Briefly explain your topic and argument in 1-2 sentences.
• Relevance: Highlight why your op-ed is timely and relevant to the publication’s audience.
• Your Credentials: Briefly mention your background and expertise (e.g., "As a student at [University], I have firsthand experience with…").

So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and start writing op ed as student! You’ve got this! Let us know how it goes – we’re rooting for you!