Essay Editing
Virtually all admissions processes require a personal essay or statement. This is your chance to shine! Other than recommendations, the personal statement is the main way admissions committees peer through the pages of grades and tests score to see the real you. If your grades and scores are mediocre, a stellar personal essay may push your file from the rejection to the interview/acceptance stack. A poor personal statement can ruin and otherwise excellent application. You don't have to be an English major to write an amazing essay. Here are some tips to great essay writing to get your started.
- Start early.
- Expect to write at least 10 drafts (and likely more). This will be the most time consuming part of the application process.
- Come up with a "hook." Something that catches the reader's attention early in the essay and serves as a thesis statement. Remember that the admissions officers are reading hundreds of applications. A strong opening ensures the entire essay will be read and makes it more likely you will be remembered.
- Be creative without being corny, offensive, or off-color. Be VERY careful with humor. Communicating humor is much more difficult on paper than in person. It can be done but only with extreme care.
- Make sure at least 3 other people have read your essay and given comments.
- Limit essay length to 1 page unless otherwise specified.
- Ensure no spelling or grammatical mistakes exist (proofread, proofread, proofread).
Length: In general, an initial thorough edit with detailed comments requires at least one hour per 500 words. This length will vary greatly depending on essay quality.
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