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)