Step 7-2: 

Content+Structure Draft 

(2nd Draft)

Expected Time: 2 Hours

CAUTION!!! DID KRIS REVIEW STEP 7-1 PROVIDE FEEDBACK? IF NOT, DO NOT PROCEED!

Give yourself at LEAST an hour to write the next draft. Open a new document and write each word from scratch. This does not mean you have to write from memory or create an all-new essay. It just means that you need to type a new draft from beginning to end - DO NOT COPY AND PASTE! This is a critical step! Yes, cutting and pasting might seem easier, but it won’t help you with real revision. 

This process will allow you to see the essay from a new perspective. Keep what works and get rid of what doesn’t. Add details where necessary. Of course, you should use the best of your first draft – keep it nearby for reference. At the same time, stay open to new ideas. Experiment with different opening lines. That winning introduction might be buried in the fourth paragraph of your current draft. Move it up and give it the attention it deserves. While you’re at it, make sure you end on a strong note. Remember to stay laser-focused on your prompt, WHAT HAPPENED and WHY DOES IT MATTER? Refer back to Step 6-1 Writing Outside the Essay exercise and Step 6-2 New Openings for possible new content for your next draft. Make every word count and try to stay as close to the word count limit, but also don’t stress if you are slightly over.

In this step, focus on structuring your essay a bit more. You should roughly structure your essay should follow “the third’s rule”:

  • What happened (the event) - 1st 1/3rd of your essay
  • What did you learn about yourself & how did it change you?  - 2nd 1/3rd of your essay
  • How will you apply what you learned to college and/or your career?  Last 1/3rd of your essay
  • Consider answering one or more of these questions depending on what your essay is about:
    • Did you learn life lessons/skills that will better prepare you for independent living in college?
    • Did this event provide you with the skills needed to be a successful student?
    • Did you learn about being a better human/friend and supporting others?


Many students get consumed by “telling the story” and let that be the focus of their essay, but that is a mistake. Remember, ADMISSIONS READERS ARE MOST INTERESTED IN THE LAST 2 SECTIONS, SO DON’T SKIMP ON THOSE!


Go to the Essay Folder and open Step 7-2: 2nd Draft. Check "Done" box in CounselMore and wait for my feedback.