Essay Workshop 101: Lesson 6: Editing Checklist

Substance

Substance is the meaning of your essay: what the reader learns about you and why it matters. Ask:

1. Have I answered the prompt?
2. Does every major claim have a concrete example?
3. Could someone else have written this essay, or is it specific to my experiences and choices?
4. What does my essay reveal about my judgment, motivation, and readiness?
5. Does the writing sound like me?
6. What will the reader remember after finishing it?

Structure

Your personal statement should feel intentional, not like a pile of good moments. Check the structure by reading only the first sentence of each paragraph. Those sentences should show a clear path through your essay.

1. Does each paragraph have one main job?
2. Do the paragraphs move in a logical order?
3. Does my essay spend too much time on setup before reaching reflection?
4. Does the conclusion grow naturally from the body instead of repeating the introduction?
5. Have I varied sentence length and rhythm?

Interest

Your essay will be more interesting when it is personal and specific. Show the reader something rather than summarizing everything.

1. Does my opening paragraph create momentum?
2. Do I use action, image, detail, or reflection to hold attention?
3. Have I removed cliches and generic claims?
4. Have I cut words that sound impressive but do not sound like me?
5. Does my ending give the reader a sense of completion?

Fit Across the Application

Your essays should work together as a set. Your personal statement, activities, most meaningful experiences, Other Impactful Experiences essay, and secondaries should not all tell the same story. Check whether each piece adds something new: motivation, context, evidence, school fit, reflection, or growth.

1. Does my personal statement avoid repeating the activities section?
2. Do my most meaningful experiences explain impact rather than only duties?
3. Do my secondary essays answer the school-specific prompts and meet word limits?
4. Have I avoided using one difficult experience as the answer to every essay?
5. Would the full set give a reader a rounded view of my readiness?

Proofreading

Proofreading is the final pass, not the whole revision process. After the substance and structure are strong, check grammar, spelling, punctuation, school names, program names, and any details that change from application to application.

1. Did I catch typos and repeated words?
2. Are punctuation and capitalization consistent?
3. Do subjects and verbs agree?
4. Are school and program names correct for each application?
5. Have I read my essay out loud?
6. Has at least one trusted reader reviewed it for clarity and authenticity?

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