Writing is Rewriting

Within this stage of the writing process there is an order of operations. Start with big picture macro-editing like questioning the focus of your story and making important connections. Save the micro-editing of stylistic choices for later. 

Adjust Your Focus. In early drafts, it is easy to have an essay that is either too broad or too narrow in scope. The right level of focus will highlight your character strengths in a meaningful level of depth without getting lost in the weeds of details that don't advance the story.

Add Intellectual Vitality. One of the most important character strengths selective colleges look for in an applicant is curiosity.  Read through your essay and look for opportunities to explore how your experience may be connected to historical, literary or philosophical ideas you care about.

Get Emotional. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable in your essay.  Demonstrate emotional intelligence by expressing how certain experiences made you feel and your awareness of the deeper need underlying the feeling.

Ask Rhetorical Questions. How do you sound smart in your essay without showing off? How do you communicate your personality or sense of humor? Ask yourself or your reader interesting questions within the essay. This is a secret weapon of essays that stand out.

Use Literary Language. Metaphors and similes can bring your writing to life. Shakespeare was a master. To explain human behavior he said, "All the world's a stage." Just beware of mixed or dissimilar metaphors used in rapid succession which may confuse the reader.

Vary The Rhythm. Adjust sentence structure to create a flow throughout each paragraph. Include a mix of longer and more concise sentences. Use brevity to emphasize points. This trick allows you to control how your readers digest and remember your story.

Avoid Clichés. It is easy to fall into the trap of using phrases that are unoriginal. That you should, “avoid them like the plague” is true, but also an example of a phrase I would revise. An exception is if you are going to explore one in more depth or actually disagree with the received wisdom it offers.

Be Specific. Details and vivid descriptions are more engaging than generalities. Strive for "le mot juste" (the exact right word). Sometimes a snippet of actual dialogue can convey meaning, drive the narrative and reveal character better than summary.

Avert Verbose Locutions. Roughly translated: stay away from excessively wordy phrases. Many students use extravagant words hoping to sound smart; it usually has the opposite effect. This doesn’t mean you can’t use your colorful vocabulary; just don’t sound like a thesaurus.

Prefer Active Voice. Active voice is deliberate; it flows, emphasizes the subject, forges a stronger connection with the reader, and evokes emotion. Rather than “mistakes were made,” it’s usually better to own up to “I made mistakes.”

Use Adverbs Sparingly. Instead of “He ran quickly.” try “He sprinted.” Precise language also evokes emotion. It paints a picture. Remember, “precise” isn’t synonymous with “extravagant”. In addition, when it comes to moderators (e.g. very), proceed with caution.

Kill Your Darlings. In each subsequent draft, sentences that were once essential may no longer be necessary. Even if you are proud of these sentences, don’t keep them if they no longer enhance the narrative. Be disciplined. As Truman Capote understood, the scissors are your partner.