Up next is draft three. 

By now you should have a pretty good sense of your topic, your examples, and your insights …  or at least some ideas for how to describe them even more clearly.

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Action Item: Set a 30-minute timer and get to work on your next draft. 

If this topic just isn’t working at all, as I’ve said, now is the best time to try a new one. You can try a new path by clicking here.

Click below for help with any of the following:

• Clarifying (or Changing) Your Topic

• Upleveling Your Paragraphs

• 7 More Ideas for Your Opening 

• How to Make Your Essay More Insightful

Your goal now is to write, revise, get feedback … wash, rinse, repeat. 

With each draft, you’ll be upleveling your essay.

This could take some time, and it’s not unusual for students to write several drafts. Some students write six or seven drafts or more. But be patient, and keep at it. Remember: 

Good writing is rewriting.

I have no idea who actually said that—but a Google image search for that quote will turn up some funny results. (Spoiler: This quote has been attributed to like a million different writers.)

And now, a short PSA on The Dangers of Getting Personal Statement Feedback From Too Many People:

Once you feel like your essay is outstanding, it’s time to move to the Refining stage, which begins with The Great College Essay Test.

To do that, click continue.