FINE-TUNING THE ESSAY

Generally, an essay improves with each draft, but in the end, the essays needs to be reviewed and fine-tuned to make sure that it accomplishes the original goal of being a well-written, stand-out essay.  So the final step in the process is reviewing each essay to make sure that all of the following are true: 

STYLE

• Catchy introduction
• Concisely written
• Unique and interesting perspective 
• Unpretentious language/authentic voice
• Logical flow of ideas
• Strong action verbs
• Sparing use of adjectives and adverbs
• Limited number of sentences beginning with "I"
• Specifics rather than generalities
• No clichés
• ​Meaningful conclusion

MECHANICS

• Consistent tense
• Active verbs

• Correct spelling
• Correct word usage
• Proper grammar 
• Correct punctuation
• ​Proper paragraphing
• ​No awkward sentences​

FINAL IMPRESSION

• The student comes across as likable, genuine and interesting
• The student can be clearly labeled in a few positive words (e.g., "the girl who spent 24 hours alone in the woods")
• The student's core qualities are easy to identify