A Superb Essay in Just One Week

Okay, you really shouldn't be putting off your essay until the week before its due when you're applying for graduate school, but I know some of you have. So, here's your one week guide to writing a superb essay that will keep the admissions officers interested and excited about you. Oh, and by one week, I mean five days, because that's about how most of my students would function.

Monday: Read the Question and Outline

I know it sounds simple, but read the question. You'll probably want to read it at least three times. The most common problem with graduate school admissions essays is that they just don't answer the question asked. They go off on some tangent instead of getting straight to the point. After reading the question, create an outline that covers some of the main points and specifics you plan to use in your essay. Oh, and talk to someone today who can proofread your paper on Friday - an old teacher or a friend who understands spelling and grammar would be perfect.

Tuesday: Begin the Paper

Today, you want to begin your paper. Write the entire thing as best you can. Make sure you use specific examples to back up your points. People would always rather read a story than a list of boring facts about your academic achievements. Also, make sure that you are sticking with your outline or an equally good outline.

Wednesday: Polish Your Paper and Let Others Read It

This morning, you'll want to go ahead and polish your paper. Make the necessary changes to make it better. After creating the best essay you can, let a few other people read it. These people should be objective and understand the qualities of good writing, or at least of interesting writing. Ask them to please give you feedback even if it might hurt your feelings.

Thursday: Revise

Today, you want to revise based on their comments. The comments are only helpful if you actually use them to make your paper better. Revise and polish until you have the best paper you can write. If possible, let at least one of those people read it again and get their feedback.

Friday: Proofread and Make Final Changes

Finally, you want to get someone to proofread your paper this morning. Make sure they are actually good at spelling and grammar before you ask for this favor. After they finish looking at your paper, read over it and make the final changes. Now you're ready to send in your paper - after just one week.

Let me say one thing before I let you leave. This is not the ideal way to write such an important paper. You should really spend several weeks on it instead of just a few days. But, in a pinch, this one week schedule will help you finish a standout essay just in time.

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Amber Smith is a feature writer for CareersandEducation.com. Review more of her work and read about using a Career learning center and explore her thoughts on online degree programs and online colleges.

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