This activity helps you revise your essay to prepare it for submission. When you have finalized the content and organization, use the proofreading tips to polish your writing. Poor grammar and poor spelling are the easiest ways to send the wrong message to college admissions officers. Proofreading Tips •Read through a printed copy of your essay to better catch typos and grammatical or formatting errors. •Do not rely on Spellcheck. It may not catch words that are spelled correctly but misused in your essay. •Read your essay out loud. You will catch mistakes and awkward phrases. •Take breaks between each round of writing and revising. •Ask a member of your success network to proofread your essay. Others will often catch errors you miss even after several readings. Content Have I fully answered the essay prompt? Yes No Some prompts are multifaceted. Be sure your message addresses the prompt in full. If you have not met all of the essay’s requirements, write down what you need to add. ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Is my writing original? Yes No Plagiarism and use of artificial intelligence (AI) are submitting someone else’s work or ideas as your own. They are serious offenses and can jeopardize your college admission. Does my essay express my individuality? Yes No Your essay should reflect your individual traits and experiences. Which paragraphs communicate your distinct qualities? Which need more work? ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Have I written for my audience? Yes No Will your essay capture an admissions officer’s attention? Is the topic appropriate for your audience? Which details are most interesting? Could you improve any content to make it more engaging? ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Style And Organization Is my tone appropriate? Yes No It should be positive and professional. Did I write from a personal perspective? Yes No Since a college application essay is a personal statement, use the first-person point of view (i.e., I, me, my). Is my language appropriate? Yes No Remember your audience and avoid slang and casual language. Do not show off with fancy words. Use clear, specific language. Choose strong, descriptive words over vague words, such as “things,” “many,” “very,” and “great.” Is my organization effective with an engaging introduction, a relevant middle, and a strong finish? Are my transitions well-defined? Yes No An appealing essay often begins with an anecdote or statement that makes the main point. It can continue in order of importance or chronology. You should feel free to choose a structure for your essay that best fits the story you want to tell and the impact you want to make on the reader. Is my essay the right length? Yes No Good writing makes your point in as few words as possible. Check your word count against the application’s instructions (e.g., the Common App gives you a 650 word limit for your essay). 39 Applying to College Activity Revise and Proofread Your Essay
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