Seven Keys of Scholarship and College Entrance Essays
The Seven C's of Successful Scholarship or College Entrance
Essays
Getting that scholarship or "acing" that college entrance essay will change your life. However,
writing a scholarship or college admission essay can be a traumatic and difficult experience or a
challenging and fulfiling one. Here are seven tips which will help you be successtul.
JUST GET STARTED
Writing a winning essay is not all that difficult, but it does take time. Like anything, getting
started is the toughest part. As in Toastmasters speeches, you're "Breaking the Ice," by
introducing yourself to your audience. In this case your audience is readers not listeners so you
will have to be even more creative. You won't have the advantage of eye contact, expressions
and gestures. So you must make yourself stand out on paper!
THE 7 C's
Based on experience conducting Scholarship Workshops for graduating high schoo! students, |
developed a model to help participants focus on the essentials of the essay process. There are
7 C's to remember and practice in your essay preparation and development. These are:
Conformance, Competence, Completeness, Clarity, Construction, Content, and Convincing.
Your essay, in order to stand out from the others will need to include these:
1) CONFORMANCE - Of course you want your essay to reflect your individuality, but you must
abide by the rules. This means precisely following the requirements and guidelines provided on
the application form. Typical requirements include: minimum and/or maximum number of words,
format, font size, margins, double or single spacing, etc.
2) COMPETENCE - You must demonstrate you're capable of doing college level work. Your
essay will provide the reviewers with evidence of your writing ability, creativity, and thought
processes. It will be substantial evidence of your ability to perform at an acceptable or superiorSeven Keys of Scholarship and College Entrance Essays
level.
3) CLARITY - Thoughts, premises, ideas, positions, and so forth, must be clearly expressed.
Ambiguity or confusion must not be demonstrated. Rather, it is clear thinking, and logic which
will be rewarded, Be sure to say exactly what you mean, and make certain it wll be understood.
4) CONSTRUCTION - The essay should observe all conventions of grammar, spelling, and
punctuation. One simple mistake may disqualify you, or at least cast suspicion on your abilities.
Be sure to proofread, revise, and correct your essay before submitting it. "Spell check" will not
catch grammar errors, incorrect terminology, or even some spelling errors. So use it, but don't
rely on it. After your thorough proofreading, ask trusted friends, family or colleagues help you
identify and correct errors.
5) CONTENT - Essays should follow the standard protocol of: Introduction, Body, and
Conclusion. Remember, the body is only supportive or explanatory. Extraneous facts, opi
or positions have no place in your final product. Your content should be substantive.
6) COMPLETENESS - Be certain to include everything of critical importance. Aside from
completeness of facts and information make certain that you have not missed key elements that
will assist the reader in following your “story.” Again, have trusted friends, family or colleagues
critically review your writing and make recommendations.
7) CONVINCING - Your paper should be convincing. It should reflect you; your goals passions
and uniqueness. You will need an “angle” something that will grab the reader's attention, and
make them interested in finding out more. One important consideration is to develop a great
introduction, and a great closing. Your essay will stand out from the pack and gain favorable
consideration if you are able to accomplish this.
‘The memorable introduction and closing are a must. Sometimes it's difficult to express your
passion, excitement or other strong emotion on paper. Remember, your essay is akin to
painting a picture - a picture that will capture the observer's attention, interest, and emotions
and convince him of your sincerity.Seven Keys of Scholarship and College Entrance Essays
WRITE YOUR ESSAY
Now get started. And, make it exceptional. You deserve that scholarship or entrance to that
collage. And now you have the tools to make it happen.
Ben A. Carlsen, Ed.D, MBA, is an experienced CEO and manager. Dr. Carlsen has over 30
years experience in management, consulting, and teaching. Currently the Head of the Business
Department at Everest institute, Hialeah, FL., he was Chairman of the Los Angeles County
Productivity Managers Network and President of the Association for Systems Management (So.
Calif. Chapter). Additional information can be obtained at hto:/drben,
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