50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays

17. Not getting any feedback.
 Practically every article that you read 
in a magazine, book, or newspaper or on the Internet has been 
edited. The reason is that writing should not be an isolated ex-
perience. You may know exactly what you want to convey in 
your own mind, but when you put it on paper, it may not come 
out as clearly as it was in your mind. It helps to get feedback. 
Ask parents, teachers, or even friends to read and comment on 
your essay. They can help you identify what can be edited out, 
what needs to be explained better, or how you can improve your 
work.