The 10 steps are simple and based on how professional writers work. You’ll learn how to write on your own—a skill you’ll keep using in college.
Some students ask friends, parents, or teachers to help, but that can lead to others rewriting parts of their essay. This often makes the essay sound like an adult wrote it. My process teaches you how to review your own work and come up with your own ideas, just like pros do.
Steps 1–6: Content
You’ll start with brainstorming, picking a theme, and gathering details. Don’t worry about the perfect wording or catchy opening yet. This stage is about building strong ideas. Most students are surprised that you don’t write the first draft until step 5! That’s because a solid foundation is key to a great essay. Many students rush into writing too soon. In the early stages, content matters most.
Steps 7 & 8: Structure
Next, you’ll shape your essay so it flows well and makes sense. You’ll look at it from different angles and revise it in a fresh, creative way—not just “fixing” it, but improving how it expresses who you are.
Steps 9 & 10: Polish
Finally, you’ll do detailed edits and proofreading. By the end of step 10, your essay will be polished and ready to submit!