Essay Checklist

Are you unable to schedule a Writing Center appointment?

Use this checklist to help you self-review your own writing for more effective writing projects and essay submissions.

Congratulations on completing the College Essay Checklist!

If you've answered "yes" to all checklist questions, you've prepared a solid foundation for your essay.

  • Foundation
  • Sources and structure
  • Academic criteria
  • Final touches
  • Complete

Assignment Requirements

Do I know the purpose and audience?

Do I know the assignment parameters? Length? Due date?

Suitable topic

Does my topic fit the purpose and reach the proper audience?

Did I stay on topic throughout my paper?

Credible and relevant sources

Are my sources authoritative, trustworthy, credible, and on topic?

Did I properly cite and document my sources?

Clear thesis statement

Is the structure of my essay logical and follows my thesis organization?

Logical structure

Does your essay have a well-crafted structure with paragraphs that tie back to the thesis statement and a logical progression?

Academic honesty

Am I maintaining academic honesty, avoiding plagiarism, and providing proper source documentation?

Formatting

Have I used the proper citation method?

Proofreading and editing

Have I read thorough my drafts?

Did I look for grammar, spelling, or punctuation issues? Pro tip: read it out loud to yourself!

Essay submission

Do I know when and how to submit my work?