Tip 1:  Start with Purpose (not with the Essay Questions)

It happens to me all the time: I carefully choose each word of something I’m writing. I think I’ve communicated clearly. And then a trusted colleague reads it and points out a glaring ambiguity I somehow overlooked. The idea I thought was so clear hasn’t reached my readers.

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When I want to know if something I'm writing is successful, I ask a careful reader to review it.

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This is crucial in admission essays. A volunteer reader can answer more accurately than you can the central questions that define your essays’ success: Are my essays clear? What does my reader take away from them? Does my reader they see the elements of my identity that I’m trying to show them?

 

Long before you write a single word of your essays, line up one or more careful readers to review your work. Their reactions will help you find valuable opportunities to strengthen your essays before you share them with schools. 

 

Pick a Reader (or a Few) and Ask Them to Support You

Ask yourself who can help you strengthen your essays. Consider your family members, teachers, friends, and others who want to support you. Anyone who (1) you respect and (2) talks about things they read is a strong candidate. They don’t have to be your parents’ age; some friends can be excellent volunteer readers.

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Once you have a few people in mind, tell them about your applications and the essays you need to write. Ask them if they'd be willing to read your drafts and share their candid reactions to help you strengthen your essays. (And in case you’re concerned they might not want to help you, I'll just mention this: everyone I know who has been asked to do this has considered it an honor.)

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After your readers agree to help, tell them when you plan to share your drafts. Ask them what you can do to make this easy for them. Would they like you to set up a time to discuss the essays? Would they prefer to share their reactions in writing? 

 

And make sure your readers know how much you appreciate their support before and after they’ve read your drafts.