I recently received an impromptu call from a student applying to law school. “I just need two minutes of your time to read over my essay, ” he said. Two hours and twenty minutes later, we said goodbye.

What happened in between? We went line by line and unscrambled any confusing sentences, removed redundancies, looked for repetition, considered synonyms, and ensured that what was written was what was actually meant. Then, we discussed how this particular experience could reflect a bigger picture idea—a universal truth—and rewrote the last paragraph to reflect that truth.

The essay’s final draft reflected the original’s essential message but was more precise, concise, and personal.

My student—whom I’ve had since 7th grade—is already a fine writer. However, everyone can benefit from a second set of eyes on a piece of writing, and often, that second set of eyes helps the writer strip away anything unnecessary so the original message can come through loud and clear.

My student’s essay is now stronger than ever, and I expect he’ll hear good news from that law school.

He will be a fine attorney.