1. The road to success starts with you! Montana University System Office of Student Financial Services (SFS) TIPS TO WRITING A GOOD SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY

2. The road to success starts with you! 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. The road to success starts with you! 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. The road to success starts with you! 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. The road to success starts with you! 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. The road to success starts with you! 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. The road to success starts with you! 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. The road to success starts with you! www.scholarship.mt.gov Sheila Newlun 406-444-0638 snewlun@montana.edu Sandy Matule 406-444-0605 smatule@montana.edu