Tips for Writing Successful College Essays: Part 2
Our previous post covered a couple of viable tips for writing college-level essays, such as following the rubric and taking advantage of tutoring options on campus. Read on to explore a few more tips for becoming a better writer in college.
3. Embrace Your Unique Process
Understand that not all writers have the same process; what works for one student might not work for another. One of the best college essay tips you can follow throughout your college years is to figure out what writing process works for you and embrace it.
For example, maybe you do your best brainstorming while you're in the shower. Perhaps you need to outline your entire essay before you can start writing. Or maybe you work best under pressure and can't start writing your essay until the night before its due (we don't recommend this, but we won't bash your process).
4. Take a Step Back From Your Writing
Once you've finished your first draft, take a step back. Save your work, but don't look at it until a day or two before it's due (of course, this is assuming that you didn't wait until the night before it's due to start writing it!). Sometimes, spending too much time reading and re-reading your work can actually make it more difficult and confusing to revise.
During this time, you may want to consider asking a trusted friend or classmate to review your draft and make comments, suggestions, or provide you with their own college essay tips.
5. Revise With a Fresh Perspective
Last but not least of the college essay tips: once you've taken some time away from your writing, revisit it. Read through the entire essay out loud and make note of any typos or awkwardly phrased sentences you notice along the way. Make revisions as you see fit based on your current reading of the assignment, the checklist you made in step one, and any comments from your peer reviewer. Save your work and pat yourself on the back; your essay is ready to turn in.
These are just a few college essay tips to increase your chances of a better grade on your next writing assignment. Looking for more tips to be successful in college? Go ahead and contact us!