The application deadlines are approaching! Whether you are on your second draft or your seventeenth draft, the time has come to release your writing into the hands of the admissions officers. Some students would prefer to cling to their writing, never letting it go, while others are ready to move on and never read their draft again. Regardless of which camp you belong to, there are concrete ways you can improve your essay even at the last minute.
1. Work with what you’ve got
As the deadline nears, some students start to get cold feet about their draft. However, It is important to be realistic about the scope of work you can complete in a short amount of time. This is not the time to choose a new theme or do a major overhaul of your writing. Instead, work with what you have on the page. Your time is best spent elevating the material you have already written.
2. Ensure you answered the question
Before submitting your essay, read the prompt once or twice more. Ask yourself: what are the admissions officers trying to learn about you through this prompt? Are there multiple parts to this question? Give your draft another read to ensure you have sufficiently answered the whole question.
3. Replace generalities with the specificity
Look for opportunities to replace vague or general phrases with specifics. If you have shared, for example, that you have learned “so many valuable lessons,” reflect on which lessons you learned in particular. Specificity leads to a more authentic, personal and, therefore, stronger response.
4. Read out loud for clarity
If you’ve ever worked with an Options writing coach, either one-on-one or in a workshop, you’ve likely heard us recommend reading your work back out loud. It’s a simple and effective tool! When you read out loud, you are far more likely to notice awkward-sounding phrases or repetitive words than if you were to read in your head.
5. Edit for grammar
Finally, edit your response for grammar, spelling and punctuation. This stage is known as copyediting. While a common issue, incorrect language use and typos are distracting to your reader. You’ve worked hard to write your essay, and a thorough copyedit will ensure your work is submitted at its best.
