What should I do if I think my essay is really hard to follow? Who should proof-read? Tips? etc
Do you have an English teacher who would be willing to read it through for you? Or if not, then one of the other teachers who has agreed to write a recommendation for you?
Try the essay forum, please read the tips on the top first
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Usually you should do your own proof reading and have a parent do it. For content and flow, get who you can. I wouldn’t give it to a teacher until it was a fairly well put together draft.
Ok I’m at that stage where I’m not comfortable enough with the draft to give it to a teacher yet. I guess I can try my parents. Thank you.
Try reading it out loud! Sometimes when we read our own writing in our head it can be easy to skip mistakes or words. By reading it out loud you can actually feel what parts are awkward because they will cause you to pause.
The english teachers at my school have said that they will only read one essay from each student this fall, and I know many teachers feel similarly overwhelmed in college application season. So I would advise you to hold off on having a teacher read it until it’s more complete.
Since you are worried about flow and coherency more than grammar and mechanics, could you have a friend read it? Choose a friend who hasn’t read your essay yet and who you trust will be honest with you on whether or not it makes sense.
If all else fails, sometimes it’s best to start over. Not necessarily choose a new topic, but open a blank word document and try again. I find that this helps for those essays that I just keep getting stuck on-- sometimes you just need a fresh start. Good luck!