Pro Tips for Admission Essay Editing?

Hey all, just finished drafting my admission essays and I'm kind of freaking out about whether they're good enough. Could use some advice on how to effectively edit these. What strategies do you all use to polish your essays?

Hey there! It's normal to feel a bit anxious after drafting your essays, but it sounds like you're ready to tackle the editing phase, which is a crucial step towards crafting a compelling narrative. One strategy that I find extremely helpful is to step away from the essay for a day or two. This allows you to come back to it with fresh eyes and a new perspective.

When you reread your essay, check for coherence—make sure each paragraph flows smoothly into the next and that your essay has a strong introduction and conclusion. It may help to read the essay aloud, either to yourself or to someone else, to hear how it flows.

Also, don't underestimate the value of outside feedback. Ask a teacher, mentor, or friend to read your essay and provide constructive feedback, keeping an eye out for not only spelling and grammar errors but also for the clarity of your message. Consider using CollegeVine's free peer essay review service; other students just like you may have some suggestions you hadn't thought of prior: https://www.collegevine.com/essays/review

Make sure your essay sounds like you and reflects your own voice and experiences. Be wary of over-editing; sometimes it's easy to lose your authentic voice in the process. As you edit, also check if any part of your essay falls into common cliché topics—if so, consider if there's a more unique angle or specific instance you can highlight to demonstrate your point.

After making revisions, go through the essay again for a final polish, checking for any small errors or awkward phrasings that might distract from the strength of your writing. Remember, your essay is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your grades and test scores, so make each word count!