Revise your essay into a full second draft

Overview

By late August, your Common App personal statement should be polished and ready. Here's the final push!

Where You Should Be

• First draft completed (from July)
• Feedback received from 2-3 readers
• Revisions in progress

Polishing Process

1. Review all feedback received
2. Make changes that improve clarity, specificity, impact
3. Maintain YOUR voice throughout
4. Read aloud to catch awkward phrasing
5. Cut to 650 words (tight, not padded)
6. Get one final reader to review

Final Essay Checklist

• ✅ Reveals something important about who I am
• ✅ Specific (details only I could write)
• ✅ Clear beginning, middle, and end
• ✅ Shows reflection, growth, or insight
• ✅ Written in my authentic voice
• ✅ 650 words or less
• ✅ Free of grammatical errors

When It's "Done"

A finished essay feels complete — you've addressed feedback, polished language, and made it your best. At some point, stop revising and call it finished!

Save Multiple Copies

Cloud storage, computer, and email to yourself. Don't lose this work!

Congratulations!

You've written something meaningful that represents who you are. That's a real achievement!