Where can I find references for my college essay?

Where can I find references for my college essay?

Where can I find references for my college essay?

Students should consider that there might be certain parts of the arguments that aren’t true or that require additional information to support your claim or that there’s an argument that they haven’t yet considered. While it’s possible to use common search engines such as Google, students are better off using search engines that are made for academic purposes. This will help filter out unhelpful articles and websites. 

Note: Students are not limited to using these specific sources. However, it is a requirement to use scholarly and reputable sources throughout this essay. 


Here is a list of search engines for academic purposes or databases that are open resources: 


  1. Google Scholar 

Google Scholar searches through scholarly articles, journals, books, and other academic publications and databases.  

Google Scholar Search Tips


  1. RefSeek* 

This site searches the web, focusing on educational and organizational sites as well as academic publications and books. It weeds out results from businesses and commercial websites.

RefSeek Search Tips


  1. Educational Resources Information Center
    ERIC is an online database focusing on education-related research.

ERIC Search Tips


  1. Bielefeld Academic Search Engine
    BASE searches a specific set of academic websites and resources, including academic libraries and academic journals.  

BASE Search Tips


  1. Directory of Open Access Journals 

DOAJ searches one of the largest collections of open-access academic journals.



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