Step 3. PROOF

Reread what you’ve written.

Punctuation. Grammar. Spelling. Double check it all to remove errors. Ask for help if you’re unsure.

Read aloud. Check for readability. If you stumble as your read it, then you may want to reconsider your word choices.

Order. Make sure that you create order with your words. Does what you said make sense? Did you present your ideas with clarity and in a logical order? Did you select the best words? Did you double check that your thoughts flow? It’s okay if what you have down on paper is a chaotic mess at this point, but here is your chance to revise it again until you can turn chaos into order. Now that you have written a draft, you want to look at it again and make sure that the presentation of ideas makes sense. Does it? If not, make some changes.

Outstanding. Your college essay is your opportunity to shine and make a case for why you are more outstanding than another applicant. What makes you special? What is outstanding about you? Make sure that your essay captures what makes you unique and desirable as a college applicant.

Feedback from Faculty, Friends, and Family. There is nothing like a little objectivity to catch something you might have missed. Proofreading your own writing is SO challenging. Also, the people who know you can give you a second opinion on whether what you wrote truly captures who you are in a clear, honest, and positive light.

If you don’t feel 100% satisfied with what you have written, go through the process again. The cycle can and probably will be repeated.