Lab report feedback: "Good data, but grammar needs work." I'm a chemistry major, not an English major!

Got my lab report back today. Data was perfect. Analysis was solid. Conclusions were correct. Grade: B-. Reason: "Grammatical errors throughout. Visit the writing center."

I'm from China. English is my third language. I can name every element on the periodic table. I can balance complex equations. I can explain chemical reactions in detail. But I still mix up "its" and "it's" and my professors care more about that than my science.

The writing center lady tried to help but she doesn't know chemistry. She kept suggesting "clearer phrasing" that changed the meaning of what I was trying to say. I smiled and nodded and then changed it back later.

In my country, science classes care about science. Here, everything is also an English test. It's exhausting translating my brain every time I write.

I know grammar matters. I know communication is part of science. But also... I'm trying. I'm really trying. And it feels like my hard work on the actual experiment doesn't count because my verbs are wrong.

Any other non-native English speakers in STEM? How do you balance getting the science right AND the language right? How do you get better without spending all your time on grammar?

Been through this exact thing. Here's what actually helped me:

1. Read your lab reports out loud. Your ear catches stuff your eyes miss.
2. Swap with another non-native speaker in your major. We understand the struggle and we're usually more forgiving.
3. For the its/it's thing specifically: it's = it is, its = belonging to it. If you can replace it with "it is" in the sentence, use the apostrophe. If not, don't.

Also, your professor might not realize how hard this is for you. Sometimes if you just go to office hours and explain, they'll be more understanding. Not guaranteed, but worth a try. You're doing amazing, seriously. Three languages AND chemistry? You're a legend. Keep going.