COLLEGE APPLICATION/SCHOLARSHIP ESSAYS

1. Purpose a. Introduce yourself to the college or scholarship organization b. Market yourself, your features and the benefits to them c. Make sure your goals match what college has to offer d. Show college how they fit into your long range plans 2. Timing a. Allow plenty of time b. Re-writes, proofread, feedback from others take time c. Printers run out of toner and computers freeze up 3. Audience a. Write for college admissions/scholarship purpose b. College level, sophisticated tone c. No errors, jargon, negativity or slang d. Make sure you dont mention how WWU is the perfect place for you in the middle of your UW essay. 4. Getting the idea a. Brainstorm b. Read sample essays from others. c. What is the message you want to convey? d. Write about topics that interest you. e. Write about your experiences in life, great or small. f. Tell readers something they dont already know from other questions in the application.

5. Organization a. Group and revise ideas. b. Focus on the most relevant subtopics. c. Organize the internal structure. d. Be stingy with how many words you use. 6. Voice a. Makes the reader want to meet you in person. b. Represent who you arethe person behind the words. c. Read essay out loud to see if it still represents you. d. If youre not naturally witty, dont start using humor now. e. Be creative, genuine and self-confident. 7. Words a. Choose words deliberately, with intention b. Choose words that are active, dynamic, used interestingly c. Choose words that bring the essay to life 8. Fluency a. Use only necessary words b. Use a variety of sentence structures c. Examine essay for rhythm and flow 9. Conventions a. Check for correct grammar, spelling, punctuation b. Edit and proofread for readability c. Have others read and give feedback 10. Insurance a. Read directions and questions carefully b. Keep copies of everything c. Double check everything d. Tell the truth