The Polishing Process: A Comprehensive Guide to Revision and Editing

The first draft is only the beginning; the real work of writing happens during revision. A thoughtful, multi-stage editing process can transform a good essay into an outstanding one. It is advisable to start the writing process early, ideally the summer before senior year, to allow ample time for multiple drafts and revisions.

The Three Stages of Revision

A structured approach to editing ensures that both high-level content issues and minor mechanical errors are addressed.

The "Big Picture" Edit (Content & Structure): The first revision pass should ignore grammar and spelling and focus entirely on the core substance of the essay. The writer should ask: Does my essay directly and thoughtfully answer the prompt? Is my central theme or message clear? Is the structure logical and easy to follow? Does my personality come through? Crucially, is the student the hero of their own story, or does the focus drift to another person or event?
The "Paragraph & Sentence" Edit (Clarity & Flow): The second pass examines the craft of the writing. This involves strengthening topic sentences to ensure each paragraph has a clear purpose, improving transitions between paragraphs to create a smooth narrative flow, and varying sentence structure to make the prose more dynamic and engaging. A useful technique is the "reverse outline," where the writer lists the main point of each paragraph on a separate document. This can quickly reveal if the essay's logic is sound or if paragraphs need to be rearranged or refocused. This is also the stage to cut wordiness by eliminating weak "to be" verbs, unnecessary adverbs, and excessive prepositional phrases.
The "Word-by-Word" Edit (Proofreading): The final stage is a meticulous hunt for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Because it is difficult to spot one's own mistakes, several techniques are highly effective: reading the essay aloud to catch awkward phrasing, printing a physical copy to see it with fresh eyes, and reading the essay backward, sentence by sentence, which forces the brain to focus on mechanics rather than content.

The Art of Finding Your Authentic Voice

Admissions officers read thousands of essays; the ones that stand out are those that sound genuine and authentic. An "authentic voice" is the polished version of a student's natural speaking voice—more formal than a text message but less stilted than a traditional academic paper. Concrete strategies for achieving this include:

Write Like You Talk: Use a conversational yet respectful tone, as if speaking to a respected teacher or mentor. Use first-person "I" statements and don't be afraid of contractions.
Avoid the Thesaurus: Using overly complex or obscure words to sound "intellectual" often has the opposite effect, making the writing feel inauthentic and difficult to read. Choose clear, precise words over flashy ones.
Show Vulnerability: Honesty about moments of doubt, fear, or insecurity can create a powerful connection with the reader and demonstrates a high level of self-awareness and maturity.
Use the "Thumb Test": After writing a draft, cover the name at the top. Would a close friend, parent, or teacher be able to identify the author based on the tone, humor, and perspective? If not, the voice may not yet be authentic enough.

Seeking and Using Feedback

Feedback is a vital part of the revision process, but it must be managed carefully. Students should seek input from one or two trusted sources, such as a college counselor or an English teacher who knows their writing well. It is critical to avoid "writing by committee," a situation where feedback from too many people—especially well-meaning parents or friends—pulls the essay in multiple directions. This often results in a disjointed final product where the student's own voice is diluted or lost entirely. The student must be the ultimate arbiter of which suggestions to incorporate, ensuring the final essay remains a true reflection of their own story and perspective.