College Essay Revision Checklist

College Essay Revision Checklist

Name: ______Date: ______

College Essay Revision Checklist

Revision is a key component of effective writing. We’ve let the first draft sit for a while so that we can return to it with fresh eyes.

Read the following checklist and then reread your essay with the checklist in mind. Complete the following checklist as a reflection on your first draft. Answer the bolded questions with complete sentences.

Idea

  • Does your essay clearly answer/relate to the prompt? What is the specific answer to the prompt?
  • What positive attributes do you demonstrate about yourself in your essay? How well might those attributes appeal to a college admissions reader?

Content

  • Beginning paragraph – how do you capture the reader’s attention?
  • Now look at the conclusion – does it pull your ideas together and speak to the essay prompt?
  • Whole essay – Does your overall essay show, not tell?Include an example from your essay.
  • Are there specific details throughout? There should be no generalities or vagueness.Include a specific example from your essay.
  • Is the voice of the essay personal and human? Your sense of humor and your way of relating to friends should show through.
  • Are you using active voice, strong verbs, and interesting phrases?
  • Is your wording simple, direct, and clear rather than studious, plodding and abstract?

Structure

  • Does each paragraph move forward to your final point?
  • Are the paragraphs ordered well for effect and to avoid confusion?
  • Are there transitions between paragraphs and a smooth flow from one thought to another?
  • Are your sentences clear and varied?

Revision

  • Once you’ve completed the checklist, return to your draft and begin to revise your essay. This checklist will inform my rubric, so as you revise keep the checklist in mind.
  • Your final draft needs to be between 500-700 words.
  • This final draft is due 5/20 (B) - 5/23 (A)