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.

 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. Name: ______Date: ______

 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)