7. Edit, edit and edit your draft
People who write for money or because they love-it have come to a major understanding about writing: it is not just a one-time event. It is writing and editing; then re-editing, and then editing some more.

First editing involves making sure that you have answered the essay question, and that there is organization to the essay. Make sure you have an introduction, a theme, a development of that theme, and some kind of wrap-up or conclusion.

Admissions officers also like to know what you have learned or gained from an activity or situation.

Then read the essay to see if it makes sense. Examine the sentences and paragraphs to make sure that they are well written. Look for transitions from one paragraph to another, and how one thought leads to another. Check to see if the draft is focused and specific, yet contains enough detail so that the writing is alive. One good technique is to read the essay aloud to make sure that the words and sentences run off your tongue naturally, like a conversation.

Next look for any spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors, as well as improper use of words. Cut out any extraneous words or sentences.

Finally, make sure that the essay fits the space provided or the number of words specified on the application. A few words under or over won’t make that much difference, but colleges are very picky about your following their directions, whatever they are.

Ask someone you trust such as an English teacher or your college counselor to go over your essay for comment and feedback.

adMISSION POSSIBLE® TIP! A good rule of thumb is to edit an essay, put it aside for a period of time or have someone else edit it, and then edit it again