Great writing doesn’t start great—it becomes great through editing. Whether you’re polishing a college essay, a personal statement, or a blog post, editing is where the magic happens. It’s not just about catching typos—it’s about shaping your voice, strengthening your message, and making every word count.

In this post, I’ll walk through how to edit like a pro, covering:

Common writing mistakes (and how to fix them)
Tips for effective self-editing
How to receive feedback

Common Mistakes—and How to Fix Them

1. Wordiness

The Mistake: Over-explaining or using too many words to say something simple.

Fix It: Be ruthless. Ask, “Does this sentence say something new? Could I say this in fewer words?”

❌ In my opinion, I personally think that the reason I love science is because I find it very interesting.

✅ I love science because it’s fascinating.

2. Passive Voice

The Mistake: Overuse of passive voice makes writing feel flat or unclear.

Fix It: Use active voice when possible.

❌ The essay was written by me.

✅ I wrote the essay.

3. Repetition

The Mistake: Repeating ideas, phrases, or words unnecessarily.

Fix It: Find synonyms or remove repeated points altogether.

❌ I was nervous and afraid. I felt scared because I was unsure.

✅ I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect.

4. Vague Language

The Mistake: Using words like “things,” “stuff,” or “a lot” that don’t give the reader much detail.

Fix It: Be specific and concrete.

❌ I learned a lot of things at the internship.

✅ I learned how to communicate with clients and track case details at the internship.

5. Weak Openings and Endings

The Mistake: Starting or ending with generalities.

Fix It: Open with a hook; end with a reflection or punchline.

❌ In conclusion, this experience was important.

✅ That summer, I didn’t just learn how to draw blood—I learned how to listen.

Tips for Self-Editing

✅ Step Away First

Give yourself some space between writing and editing. Even 24 hours can help you see the piece more clearly.

✅ Read Aloud

Reading out loud helps catch awkward phrasing, missing words, or flat sentences. If you stumble, revise.

✅ Use Track Changes or Comments

Don’t just delete. Use comments or highlights to mark spots you’re unsure about so you can revisit them.

✅ Print It Out

Editing on paper makes you notice things your eyes might miss on a screen.

✅ Look for One Thing at a Time

Do a pass for grammar, a pass for structure, a pass for clarity. Don’t try to do it all at once.

Review Tips

If you’re getting feedback from a family member, teacher, essay coach, or even a peer, here are some words of advice to get the most out of that experience:

Don’t get defensive: Every comment is a chance to improve, not a personal attack.
Ask questions: “What part confused you?” “Did the ending feel strong?”
Take what helps, leave what doesn’t: Feedback is a tool—not a command. You don’t have to accept every suggestion.

Final Thought

Writing is revision. The first draft gets the story down; editing gives it power. Whether you’re writing a scholarship essay, a college app, or a blog post, remember: professionals don’t just write—they rewrite.

So grab your red pen (or digital highlighter), and start cutting, polishing, and refining. That’s where the real magic happens.

✂️ Editing Like a Pro: Cut, Polish, and Refine 🪄