Sunday, November 2, 2014

Your Essay -- Putting the Pieces Together

The time has come to put all of the pieces together.  Time to write your complete 1st draft of your Personal Essay.  I started you off with the ending -- why are you the most deserving candidate? Unless you know why you should be selected for a scholarship, you won't be able to convince the judges.

The next very likely question on your scholarship application will be to describe why you are in college and how you were inspired to select your major.  (Who or what inspired you?)  Also, what are your short and long term goals?

The next very important question -- Have you had a bump in the road (a special challenge)?  Describe it.  What did you learn about yourself? Has that experience made you a better person and why?

Then, the first paragraph was the last assignment.  How do you "hook" the reader?  Without being theatrical, how do engage the person who is judging your paper?  What do you write to make her want to continue reading?  How does it relate to the rest of your writing?  You have heard me say over and over that the first paragraph needs to be POWERFUL.  Remember your story needs to be interesting.  You want the reader to say "WOW" when she completes the reading.

OK, it is time to get to work!  I'm not expecting a finished copy -- this is the first draft of the most important document in your scholarship application..  Give it serious thought and make it flow. Choose your words carefully; don't repeat words; be authentic; and speak from the heart.

This assignment is for both sections of the Scholarship Class --  Section 8316 (Lecture) and 8318 (Online).  Create it in a WORD document.  Please email to eandrews@dc.rr.com.  The deadline is Wednesday, November 05, 2014.

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