Editing

STORY CHECK: Is this the story you want to tell? Does this avoid cliches and highlight strengths colleges are looking for?

VOICE CHECK: Is the level of detail & description in your statement unique enough that NO ONE ELSE could have written this statement the way you did?

LOGIC CHECK: Does your statement flow from one topic/detail/idea/section to the next in a fluid manner that makes sense to someone without any additional context aside from what’s already written? If it’s a shorter UC piece, is it cohesive and clear enough to follow despite your limited space to write?

LENGTH CHECK: Where are you in terms of word count NOW? Do you still need to revise significantly? Are you feeling like you need to add more content? Which places could be revised further, which need to be deleted completed, and/or which are you feeling tied to & happy with exactly as-is?

VOCABULARY CHECK: How engaging, authentic, & clear is your word choice throughout? Are ALL descriptive words accurate and specific, rather than vague or broad? Have you gotten too thesaurus or SAT word-heavy in places? Does it sound too much like a student instead of a person writing?

Micro-Editing Handout & Micro-Editing Explanation

25 Editing Tips - The Write Life

Show, Don't Tell Explanation & Examples

Editing for Clear Style