What are some effective ways to improve my college essay draft?

Feeling stuck mid-draft is really common, so you're definitely not alone in wanting fresh ways to improve your Common App essay! Here are some strategies that many students find effective when taking their essay to the next level:

1. Read it out loud. Sometimes what looks good on the page sounds awkward aloud. Reading your draft to yourself (or even to a friend or family member) helps you catch awkward phrases, overly long sentences, or parts that sound unnatural. I noticed a huge difference when I did this, especially picking up on areas where my personality wasn’t coming through.

2. Find readers who know you well—and a few who don’t. Ask a close friend or relative to read your essay and answer, "Does this sound like me?" You also want a reader who doesn't know you as well, since admissions officers won’t know your backstory. They can point out any confusing parts or things that might not be clear to a stranger.

3. Focus on "show, don’t tell." Instead of describing yourself as passionate or hardworking, give specific moments that demonstrate these traits in action. For example, instead of saying, "I care about my community," recount a moment you organized a small neighborhood event—even if it wasn't perfect—which shows real initiative and personality.

4. Cut anything that doesn’t serve your story. Every word should support either your main point or reveal something important about you. If there's a paragraph that could be removed without changing the overall meaning, consider cutting it for conciseness.

5. Give yourself time between drafts. After finishing a draft, take a day or two away from it. Coming back with fresh eyes, you'll often notice issues you missed before.

6. Use school resources. If your school has a writing center, English teacher, or counselor, ask for feedback. They often know what works for college essays. You can also use specialty essay review services for more tailored advice.

As for revision: it's not unusual for people to revise their essays 7–10 times—some even more. Just be careful not to edit so much that you lose your original voice. If your personality and point of view still shine through after editing, you're in a good spot.

Remember, the essay is your chance to show admissions a real piece of who you are. Keep the focus on a specific experience or insight that’s meaningful to you (unique details matter more than dramatic events). You’ve got this!