Introduction

Academia Research, commonly referred to as Academia, is one of the oldest and most reputable academic writing platforms in Kenya. With a solid reputation for being a reliable and compassionate employer, Academia has been a cornerstone for Kenyan writers for many years. It is one of the few companies that has taken the time to understand the unique challenges faced by Kenyan writers by sending representatives to the country to engage with local writers. This proactive approach reflects in how the company interacts with and supports its writers, making it a preferred platform for many.

Pros of Academia Research:

A. Good Workflow

Academia generally maintains a consistent workflow throughout the year, allowing writers to earn a steady income. This is especially true for writers at the highest levels within the company, such as Premium, Top Premium, and First Class levels.

B. Great Opportunities for Long-Term Growth

The company provides a well-defined path for career progression, with six levels for writers to advance through. Each level offers increased work opportunities and earning potential, allowing writers to grow vertically within the company.

C. Ability to Add More Subjects Over Time

Writers start with access to one subject but can request to add more subjects as they gain experience. This horizontal growth increases the pool of orders a writer can access, enhancing their earning potential. Writers must pass a monitored trial by the Quality Assurance Department (QAD) to add new subjects.

D. Take System for Order Distribution

Academia employs a “Take” system, where orders are made available to qualified writers on a first-come, first-served basis. This system promotes fairness by giving every writer an equal chance to secure work without subjective interference from support or clients.

E. Competitive Pay

Academia offers competitive pay, with the lowest-level writers (General) earning over $3.4 per page, while First Class level writers can earn more than $5 per page. This competitive pay makes Academia an attractive platform for many writers.

F. Friendly and Understanding Support

Academia is known for its supportive and understanding staff, who are particularly helpful when it comes to inquiries and deadline extensions. This supportive environment contributes to a positive working experience for writers.

G. Exceptional Quality Assurance

Academia’s Quality Assurance Department is dedicated to fair assessments of work quality. Unlike many other platforms, Academia does not automatically side with clients in disputes. Instead, they review the instructions and the delivered work, defending the writer if they meet the expectations.

H. Fair Writer Evaluation and Ranking Model

Academia uses an algorithm to rank writers based on their performance within a subject, taking into account metrics like refunds, client ratings, and request rates. The rankings are updated every two weeks, replacing old stats with new ones from the last year. This system allows diligent writers to move up the levels relatively quickly.

I. Safe Investment

Academia accounts are considered safe investments due to their stability and longevity. Writers can operate these accounts for many years without facing termination, provided they adhere to the platform’s guidelines.

J. No Fake Orders

At Academia, orders are only made available after clients have paid for them, ensuring that writers only work on real, paid orders. This contrasts with platforms that allow unpaid inquiries, leading to wasted time for writers.

Cons of Academia Research:

A. Top-Down Approach to Order Distribution

Academia’s work distribution model favors top-level writers, who get access to orders first. This can lead to lower workflow for writers at lower levels, especially during the low season.

B. Blank White Screen Staring Competition

The Take system often results in fewer available orders, meaning writers spend considerable time staring at the blank screen and waiting for orders to appear. This can be frustrating, especially for those who prefer or are used to more active platforms like Essaypro and Edusson.

C. Regular Performance Evaluations

The frequent bi-weekly evaluations can lead to instability in writer rankings, particularly for newer writers with fewer accumulated statistics, making it challenging to maintain consistent work and income.

D. Fixed Pricing

In Academia’s Take system, prices for orders are pre-determined, leaving no room for negotiation. This can result in lower pay for writers and may deter budget-conscious clients from placing orders, ultimately affecting the overall workflow.

E. Expensive Accounts

Academia accounts tend to be expensive due to the company’s reputation and long history in the Kenyan market. New General-level accounts start around Ksh. 50,000, with highly sought-after subjects like Health Science & Nursing or Business & Management (from Premium to First Class levels) costing upwards of Ksh. 200,000. Some accounts even go for over half a million.

F. Subject Inequality

Academia ranks and distributes orders based on subjects, meaning that some subjects have better workflow than others. This can disadvantage writers who don’t have access to high-demand subjects, even if they are highly ranked.

Conclusion

Academia Research remains a reputable and established platform for academic writers in Kenya. With a solid workflow, competitive pay, and opportunities for both vertical and horizontal growth, it offers a compelling option for writers seeking a stable income. However, the platform’s rigid performance evaluations, expensive accounts, and top-down work distribution model can pose challenges. Writers considering Academia should carefully weigh these pros and cons to determine if it aligns with their professional goals and work style.

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