Checklist for Proofreading Your Application Essay
Some of you may be wondering what to look for while proofreading an application essay. In the end, a flawless essay is one that flows easily and makes complete sense. But how can you check for blatant mistakes in your essay? Here are some suggestions. Clichés, for instance, are a bad idea to use in the final paragraph. Instead, you’re going for sense and logic. Your final application essay can be polished and error-free with the help of a skilled proofreader. You’ll have their undivided attention, and they’ll be able to give your job the care it deserves.
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Understanding (and Avoiding) Clichés
Students often make the mistake of using overused phrases or cliches when summing up their arguments. Clichés like “just think of it this way” and “let’s put it this way” are overused but don’t improve your work. If you want to make your argument more convincing, avoid clichés in your conclusion. Cliches may seem like a quick and easy way out, but they really weaken your argument and diminish your credibility if used in a conclusion.
Check your application essay for adverbs that serve no purpose or are redundant. They are typical conversational filler words. It’s just habitual use of words with no real meaning. Watch out for “ly” adverbs as well as empty words. Check to see if any of your adverbs unintentionally link to other parts of the essay.
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Make sure the flow of your essay makes sense.
For the sake of your essay’s logical flow, you should have a second pair of eyes review it. A human proofreader should be used whenever possible because no piece of software can guarantee 100% accuracy. When it comes to missing words and misspelled words, a person will always be ahead of a spell checker. The admissions committee will appreciate your work much more if you take the time to make sure the essay flows smoothly and is well-polished.
An essay’s body is most effectively organized around an introductory paragraph and a concluding paragraph. Then, in the body paragraphs, you might elaborate on the events that prove your thesis. In the body of your paper, each paragraph needs to address a specific subtopic. Make sure they stay linked and not scattered. Use transitional words and phrases to keep the reader engaged and thinking about what they’ve just read. It’s important to have your essay’s opening and body paragraphs work together to prove your thesis.
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Have another person read your draft
You should always get feedback on your college application essay from someone else. Having a second set of eyes review the work for mistakes is useful, but they shouldn’t make any edits to the text. If you have a friend or family member who is also a skilled writer, they may look it over for you to make sure there are no spelling or punctuation issues. It’s always a good idea to have a second set of eyes look over your work, as spell checks aren’t perfect. Keep in mind that the admissions committee will value your hard work and treat your essay seriously if you put in the time and effort.
Editing your own work is also highly recommended. Get a second perspective on your writing because it’s difficult to identify errors while reading your own work. If your essay also has problems with grammar or organization, spell check won’t assist much. To avoid having your parents or someone else buy your essay online, proofread it first. It will be obvious to admissions officers if the essay has been revised.
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Avoid having someone else rewrite your essay
When writing your college entrance essay, you should always have a second opinion. It’s helpful to have someone else’s eyes look over the piece for errors, but make sure that they don’t change the content. A friend or family member who is a good writer can check it for grammar and spelling mistakes. Spell checkers can’t catch everything, so getting someone else to proofread it can be helpful. Remember, the admissions officers will appreciate your efforts and take your essay seriously. You should also proofread your own writing. It’s hard to spot mistakes in your own writing, so you should get a second opinion. Spell check isn’t very helpful if your essay has an error in usage or structure. Proofreading also prevents you from making the mistake of letting your parents or someone else buy the essay online. Admissions counselors will know that the essay has been rewritten or not.
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Get the help of a qualified proofreader.
If you have a deadline looming and don’t have the time to proofread your own essay, you can hire a professional proofreader to do the work for you. Finding every single error during proofreading can be a time-consuming ordeal due to the process’s many steps. Not only does it take a lot of time, but it can also cause you to miss out on important details that could make your paper a cut above the rest. Thankfully, there are many benefits to hiring a professional to proofread entrance essays for you.
While it may seem daunting to hire someone to proofread your college essay, it is possible to find a professional to do it for you for a very reasonable price. You can search for a proofreader on sites like Upwork or Fiverr, and then choose one based on the price and quality of the work they’ve completed. Be sure to read the reviews of each proofreader before hiring someone to work on your essay.
