10/8/2014 admitsee | Ask An Expert: 5 Steps of Essay Writing

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Blog
Ask An Expert: 5 Steps of Essay Writing
By admitsee on August 13, 2014
Tags: college application essays, writing tips, expert advice
This week, the founder of heretoedit.com shares the most crucial five steps you should follow every time you
attack an essay for the college application.
1. Create a Timeline
You need to give yourself enough time to produce a quality essay. Dont wait until the very last minute to write it
because youll be stressed out and you may not be able to create a polished essay by your deadline. Make sure
you schedule time to plan, write, and review your essay to avoid any procrastination-related issues.
2. Analyze the Essay Question
Dont jump into writing without fully knowing what youre supposed to write about. Read over the essay question
to get a general idea of what it says, and then read it again to confirm your understanding. If you have any
questions then ask your teacher for more clarification.
3. Brainstorm and Make an Outline
Now that youve processed the question, start brainstorming. Write all your ideas down on a piece of paper and
try to connect them to each other. A more thorough way of brainstorming is to make an outline, which will allow
you to develop your thoughts in more detail. You can try brainstorming or outlining with a friend or fellow student
so that you can share ideas with someone before writing.
4. Put Everything in Writing
Start writing and use your outline as your guide. Dont focus on organizing the essay right now, but make sure
you get everything out of your head and into your computer. If youre stuck on how to start your application
essay, read example essay intros here.
Read college application essays, stats, and advice!
10/8/2014 admitsee | Ask An Expert: 5 Steps of Essay Writing
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5. Refine
After youve written down everything you can think of, go through your rough draft and structure your essay.
Make sure you have a solid thesis statement and concise, coherent paragraphs. Fix any run-on sentences and
correct all grammar and spelling issues. After youve finished this process, give your brain a rest (take a nap or
get a good nights sleep to refresh your eyes and your brain). Before submitting your essay, review it as much
as you can in order to catch any errors you mightve missed.

The author, Chikaodili Okaneme, is the founder of Here to Edit and a graduate of Cornell University and the
Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. Here to Edit is an online editing service that helps customers produce
higher quality essays, resumes, letters, applications, and more. All submissions are thoroughly reviewed, edited
with feedback, and returned promptly. Please visit heretoedit.com for more information, and, in a few easy
steps, your work can look better than ever!

Next weeks blog: Joie of College Prep 360 answers Whom should you ask to look at your essays? Have a
question youd like answered in a following blog post? Let us know in our Contact Us form!
Keep Reading: Application Essay Tips from a UPenn Student
10/8/2014 admitsee | Ask An Expert: 5 Steps of Essay Writing
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10 comments
Ellen Mi Marketing/Sales Intern at The Daily Bruin
Really great tips!
Reply Like Follow Post August 25 at 6:25pm
Sarah Siebels
These steps are really good! I will be sure to use these!
Reply Like Follow Post August 21 at 10:09pm
Virali Dave Washington, District of Columbia
It always helps me to read my words in print, so I sometimes print my essay and
correct my work on paper
Reply Like Follow Post August 19 at 8:46pm
Follow
Neil Paloma Chhabra PR/Marketing Intern at Admitsee.com
I think a big issue for students is never starting early enough
Reply Like Follow Post August 17 at 8:30pm
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Jared Neves Cornell University
If you want to get into college, as well as do well in college... read these
Reply Like Follow Post August 16 at 9:00pm
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Arianna McQuillen Top Commenter Cambridge, Massachusetts
Really great advice! Take advantage of the editing services your school offers
Reply Like Follow Post August 15 at 10:51pm
Vicki Lin University of California, San Diego
Definitely get an early start!
Reply Like Follow Post August 18 at 1:07am
Kaitlyn O'Gara
This is great advice, and really shows you how to craft the best essay!
Reply Like Follow Post August 15 at 6:38pm
Abby Breyer
This post was so helpful! Writing an essay by following these steps is sure to be
good quality.
Reply Like Follow Post August 14 at 1:39pm
Paige Marino Works at Boston College Women's Center
Awesome advice for essay writing!
Reply Like Follow Post August 14 at 3:26pm