Compare Before You Submit: A Student’s Guide to Polishing Essays

by comparetexts • July 9, 2025

Submitting a strong essay doesn't just come down to good ideas—it’s about how well those ideas are refined, structured, and polished before you hit "send." For many students, the gap between a decent grade and a great one lies in the final stage: revision.

Yet revision isn't just about proofreading. It's about stepping back, examining your arguments, and seeing how your writing flows from start to finish. This final pass is where you smooth awkward phrasing, trim fluff, and ensure your message lands clearly.

Build a Writing Routine That Works

Establishing a repeatable writing process helps take the stress out of assignments. One strategy many successful students follow is drafting in short focused blocks, then revisiting their work after a break. This mental distance allows you to see mistakes more clearly.

It also helps to keep a physical reference nearby. The Little Seagull Handbook is one of the many that students rely on for quick grammar checks, structural tips, and citation help. Having a tangible guide on your desk can save hours of Googling and second-guessing.

Environment Matters More Than You Think

It's hard to polish your essay when your body is slouched, your eyes are strained, and your brain is running on empty. Small improvements to your setup can have a big impact on clarity and focus. A comfortable desk chair can prevent the back pain that creeps in after long sessions, while an adjustable LED desk lamp creates a well-lit space for evening edits.

For students juggling multiple screens—especially if referencing sources while editing—having a second monitor, even a budget-friendly portable one, makes comparing notes and citations far easier. It’s not a luxury—it’s a genuine productivity boost.

When revising, the temptation is to fix typos and move on. But the best essays read smoothly, not just correctly. Read your draft aloud—this simple trick highlights awkward transitions, abrupt sentence ends, and overused words.

Some students keep a small whiteboard nearby to sketch out argument flows or list transitional phrases they want to try. It’s a low-effort way to organize thoughts visually while staying unplugged.

Break It Down into Rounds

Don’t try to fix everything in one go. Start with structure—does your thesis hold through each paragraph? Then tackle tone—are you using formal language consistently? Lastly, fix spelling, grammar, and formatting. Breaking revision into layers keeps your focus sharp.

If you prefer pen-and-paper editing, printing your draft can be helpful. Many students underline problem areas using colored highlighters or stick tabs to sections that need trimming or clarification.

Bottomline

The difference between a B and an A often lies in that last hour before submission. It’s the quiet reread, the final rearrangement of a paragraph, the extra attention to flow and voice. Revision isn't just about catching mistakes—it’s about uncovering your best version of the work.

So take that time. Surround yourself with tools that help you think clearly, reference confidently, and write comfortably. With a few upgrades—a reliable chair, a great lamp, a trusted handbook—you’re not just preparing for one paper. You’re building habits that will follow you through college and beyond.