The primary way for most Adcoms to know who you are is by reading your essays. First impressions are everything. So how many times should you edit? What should you put in and what should you leave out of an essay? Who determines the quality of your essay? Does it even answer the question? Does it read like a senate bill or a Shakespearean play? How much detail is too much?
These and many other questions should be answered by YOU! No one but you. The buck stops with you. But here are some general guidelines:
1. Start early with stories - Right now would be a good idea. If you haven't taken the GMAT, then at least brainstorm stories about your life that you'd really like to talk about. Stories that highlight your strengths, weaknesses, setbacks, triumphs, and comebacks. Personal stories are also fine.
2. Length of your first draft - your first draft's word count should at least be double the maximum word count. Pour your heart out with adjectives, examples, beliefs and stories.
3. The Magic number for editing: There is no magic number! But, there is a deadline. Your essays should be finalized at least a month before the actual round deadline for a school. Edit as many times as you want. If you've hired a consultant, they may try to finalize it within three edits. But, you don't have to stop.
And that is the main point of this post. Edit as many times as needed. But, make sure you set a deadline and submit your essays before that deadline. Submitting your essays a month before the actual deadline gives you time for poking your recommenders and refining the application form.
Ship it. Don't wait for the last moment and don't try to make it perfect. Excellent is good enough.
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