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Montana University System Office of Student Financial Services (SFS)

Montana University System Office of Student Financial Services (SFS). TIPS TO WRITING A GOOD SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY. Basic steps to writing a good essay. Follow instructions Choose your topic Brainstorm Develop your thesis Create an outline Produce your introduction Focus your paragraphs

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Montana University System Office of Student Financial Services (SFS)

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  1. Montana University System Office of Student Financial Services (SFS) TIPS TO WRITING A GOOD SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY

  2. Basic steps to writing a good essay • Follow instructions • Choose your topic • Brainstorm • Develop your thesis • Create an outline • Produce your introduction • Focus your paragraphs • Sum up with your conclusion • Final Draft • Final Step

  3. Follow Instructions • If instructions aren’t followed, chances are your application will not be considered • Common application mistakes; • too few, or too many words • neglecting to sign the application • delivering after the posted deadline • not including all of the additional materials (college acceptance letter, proof of ACT score, etc…) • Committees may receive 1000’s of applications, don’t give them any reason to put your application in the “NO” pile

  4. Topic, Brainstorming and Thesis Topic • IF you have a choice for a topic, first decide if it should be general or more specific • Choose something you feel strongly about Brainstorm • Be creative - Brainstorm for insight and ideas (exercise; ask yourself 12 questions about the topic then answer them) • Make it personal - Be sure your ideas let your personality shine through Thesis • Pick your best idea, your thesis is your main point, summed up in a concise sentence

  5. Outline, Introduction and Body Outline • Create a rough outline. Use one line sentences to describe paragraphs and bullet points to describe what each paragraph will contain • Play with the order, map out the structure of your argument and make sure it flows Introduction • The introduction should grab the reader’s attention, set up the issue, and lead into your thesis

  6. Paragraphs and Conclusion Paragraphs • Each paragraph should focus on a single idea that supports your thesis • Begin with topic sentences, support assertions with evidence, and expound your ideas clearly Conclusion • Sum up your points and bring a final perspective • Exit your essay by making a quick wrap-up sentence or two • End on some memorable thought, perhaps a quotation, or an interesting twist of logic

  7. Final Draft and Final Step Final Draft • Be sure your name is on each sheet • Be sure you have stayed within the word limitations • Polish your language and grammar • Read and reread your essay, have someone else read your essay Final Step • DON’T MISS THE DEADLINE!!!! • Don’t forget to send all of the additional materials with your signed application

  8. www.scholarship.mt.gov Sheila Newlun 406-444-0638  snewlun@montana.edu Sandy Matule 406-444-0605  smatule@montana.edu

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