Hints for a Successful Essay

There are two main types of essays you would be asked to write. One is a personal statement; the other is a proposal or statement of intent.

• A personal statement should be a narrative giving a picture of you as an individual. It should deal with your personal history, family background, influences on intellectual development, the educational and cultural opportunities (or lack of them) to which you have been exposed, and he ways in which these experiences have affected you. Include your special interests and abilities, career plans, and life goals, etc. It should not be a recording of facts already listed on the application or an elaboration of your statement of proposed study.

• A proposal or statement of intent (or study) can be a number of things. It could be an explanation of why you should receive a bunch of money to study or it could be a detailed account of what you plan to do with all of that money.

Starting Your Essay

1. You are writing for a purpose. Be persuasive in showing the reader you are deserving of the award. Remember your audience.
2. Make certain you understand the question or the topic. Your essay should answer the question or speak directly to the given topic.
3. List all ideas-any possibilities. Be creative, brainstorm without censoring.
4. Sort through ideas and prioritize. You can't tell them everything. Be selective.
5. Choose information and ideas, which are not reflected in other parts of your application. This is your chance to supplement your application with other information you want them to know.

Writing the Draft - Apply what you learned in English class

1. Develop paragraphs-one idea at a time. Include a topic sentence with examples of your point or convincing reasons.
2. Make transitions between paragraphs.
3. Select action verbs and avoid the passive voice.
4. Use concrete examples. Often, examples of behavior demonstrate an idea better than an adjective. (Show how or why, don't just tell.)
5. Develop exact, concrete language. Avoid vague references, wordy usage or cliches.
6. Be sure to have at least 2 other people read your essays. It's best to have one specialist and one lay reader. Be ready to prepare 3-5 drafts of your writing.

Editing Your Draft

• Does your introduction capture the reader's attention?
• Are you consistent in your verb tense?
• Are you clear and coherent?
• Are you concise enough to adhere to the limits in length?
• Have you checked for grammatical and spelling errors?
• Does the essay present you as you wish to be seen?
• Did another person review your essay for possible mistakes?
• Would you remember your essay if you read two hundred others?
• Does your closing paragraph present you as you wish to be remembered?