Don't put off writing your essays until the last minute. Allow yourself enough time for all the steps listed, and write an individual essay for each college. 

Be sure you understand the college's topics, directions, and deadlines, and look at its admissions information for descriptions of personal qualities it is looking for. 

Before you start your essay, jot down your aspirations and how you think the college will help you meet them. Then develop a personal inventory: Make lists of your civic and school activities; your travels, awards, or other accomplishments; your work experiences; any academic or personal shortcomings you are trying to overcome; and the personality traits you value about yourself. To focus your essay, study the inventory and develop a one-sentence theme from it. 

Think about the form you might use to convey your information. Straight prose is fine, but if your theme lends itself to another approach, try it. 

Now write a draft. Set it aside for 24 hours. Then read it to spot clichés, triteness, vagueness, dullness, grammatical errors, and misspellings. Is your essay focused on your theme, or does it ramble? Is it confusing? Boring? Does the introduction "grab" the reader?

Rewrite your essay based on this evaluation and repeat step 5 as often as necessary to sharpen your essay. 

 Ask someone whose opinions you respect to read your essay and give candid impressions. Ask for specifics: What do you think I'm trying to say? How do I come across as a person? What parts confuse or bore you? Where do I need more details? Tell me the parts you like best. But, do not let this person rewrite your essay – remember – it’s your essay. 

 If necessary, go back to steps 3, 4, or 5. If this draft is the best you can do, polish it: Check again for spelling or grammatical errors, awkward phrases, inaccurate usage, and unnecessary words - anything that does not sound right. To find rough spots, read it aloud. 

Type your essay - unless the college requires a handwritten version - and proofread it to catch typographical and other errors you may have missed. 

 Submit your essay on time and relax. If you've done all of the above, you can be fairly sure your work will be read with appreciation.