This document summarizes a research study on academic essay writing skills of university students in Turkey. The study found that students struggle with academic writing due to issues with the education system, including an overreliance on memorization and standardized testing. Specifically, the study found that students are not taught proper research skills and have not taken courses or written research papers. They rely heavily on lecture notes and have poor library research skills. English proficiency is also low. The study recommends incorporating more research-based assignments to help students develop critical thinking and academic writing abilities.