Revisit the working thesis you have for your essay so far.  That thesis makes claims: it argues that a particular group of students will experience stronger college success outcomes if they adopt a particular practice.

Make a list of evidence that will be required to prove to your reader that each of the following claims is true.

Claim 1: the student population you’ve identified faces challenges in college success

Claim 2: the behavior or practice you’ve identified will offer that student population a benefit

Some evidence might come from personal experience; some evidence might come from what you’ve witnessed others experience; some evidence will come from research you conduct shortly; and some might be guesses or hypotheses of what you assume to be true.

Include 3-5 items of evidence for each claim.

For each item on the list, do some initial research that helps you understand each.  See if you can find people who’ve had similar experiences, or suggestions for college success, or data regarding what practices are most effective.

Write two brief paragraphs (3-5 sentences, each) summarizing what you find in your initial research.  One paragraph will address each claim and what the research tells you about it.