1 Chicana/Latina Foundation Scholarship Application Review & Writing Your Essay

2 Review of CLF Scholarship Requirements Step 1. Completed application form Step 2. Specific essays apply for Graduate and Undergraduate students Step 3. College transcripts of all colleges attended (official preferred) Step 4. Two letters of recommendation Step 5. All applications must be submitted by either U.S. mail or by deadline.

3 Tips for Letters of Recommendation Get at least one letter from an instructor/counselor who knows you Letters should be specific to this application Give a copy of your resume or essay describing your activities, correct name, educational history, year in college, etc. Provide cheat sheet with all vital information which will help your instructor/counselor write a good letter Set a deadline to receive/send letters and follow- up with a reminder call/ to recommender. Get a copy of the letter.

4 Sample Action Plan/Timeline ActionWhoDeadlineCompletedNotes Ask for letter of recommendation, and drop off a self stamped envelope addressed to the CLF. Write a first draft of two essays. Have someone read and edit both essays. Complete Final draft of both essays. Complete application form. Get your transcripts. Mail your application. Other / Otras Cosas?

5 The Writing Process Brainstorm Create Your First Draft Develop Focus and Organization Strategy Revision & Edit Final Draft

6 The Writing Process Writing can be done more effectively if you use a process or a specific set of steps. 1.Allow yourself time to think about the question, feel the confusion of thoughts, words and feelings. 2.Write the essay questions down on a separate piece of paper to “think & reflect” before you begin your writing. 3.Write what first comes to mind. Write what is hopeful, realistic, and most importantly, meaningful to you personally… 4.Gather relevant information.

7 The 6+1 Writing Process IDEAS ORGANIZATION VOICE WORD CHOICE SENTENCE FLUENCY CONVENTIONS PRESENTATION

8 The 6+1Writing Process IDEAS The ideas are the heart of the message, the content, the main theme. The writer chooses details that are interesting, important and informative-often the kinds of details the reader would not normally anticipate.

9 The 6+1Writing Process ORGANIZATION Organization is the internal structure of a piece of writing, the thread of central meaning, the pattern, so long as it fits the central idea. When the organization is strong, the piece begins meaningfully and creates in the writer a sense of anticipation that is ultimately fulfilled.

10 The 6+1Writing Process VOICE The voice is the writer coming through the words, the sense that a real person is speaking to us and cares about the message. It is the heart and soul of the writing, the magic, the wit, the feeling. When the writer is engaged personally, he/she imparts a personal tone and flavor that is unmistakably hers/his.

11 The 6+1Writing Process WORD CHOICE Word choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that communicates not just in a functional way, but in a way that moves and enlightens the reader. Strong word choice is characterized not so much by an exceptional vocabulary, but more by the skill to use everyday words well.

12 The 6+1Writing Process SENTENCE FLUENCY Sentence fluency is the rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word patterns, the way in which the writing plays to the ear, not just the eye. How does it sound when read aloud? That’s the test. It is free of awkward word patterns that slow the reader’s progress.

13 The 6+1Writing Process CONVENTIONS Conventions are the mechanical correctness of the piece-spelling, grammar and usage, paragraphing, use of capitals, and punctuation. Writing that is strong in conventions has been proofread and edited with care. (Spell check is a very useful tool!

14 The 6+1Writing Process PRESENTATION Presentation combines both visual and verbal elements. It is the way we “exhibit” our message on paper. Even if our ideas, words, and sentences are vivid, precise, and well constructed, the piece will not be inviting to read unless the guidelines of presentation are present.

15 Brainstorm Write everything that comes to mind – avoid editing your first draft Write a semantic map/web (see example) Write down the things you would like CLF to know about you Use information you gathered from sources (transcripts, life experiences)

16 Develop Focus and Organization Strategy Ask yourself the following: - Does your essay answer the question? - Is each essay words? (approximately one page) -Does your first draft read clearly, correctly, and is there unity and focus? -Does your essay speak to who you are, your achievements, passion and life experiences?

17 Revision and Edit Write your final draft Have a friend/relative you trust who enjoys reading and knows grammar to edit your final draft Ask your reader and yourself: Does the essay communicate to the reader commitment, leadership, involvement, clarity in direction and academic achievement? Make sure to include major, school and academic/career goals

18 Final Draft Type your final draft Put your name on the essay at the top of each page. Check final draft for spelling/typing errors Mail by the deadline of March 20, 2009

19 The Writing Process Congratulations and Good Luck!