First steps: How to prepare for Scholars Day

Begin preparing preferably in the fall or early spring.

• Find a faculty sponsor: Speak to one of your professors or instructors (preferably in the fall or early spring) about presenting your work at this year’s Scholars Day.
• Identify a strong research project or creative piece that you have completed, or are about to finish: This could be your senior thesis, a really good paper, a group research project, a creative work, or a presentation that you want to develop further. Being selected to present is an accomplishment. Remember, participating in Scholars Day is an award that you can include in your resume and CV.
• Check the submission open and close dates on the main Scholars Day webpage.
• Start drafting your:
  1. Title
  2. Abstract or artistic description
  3. Research statement or statement of creative process
  4. Bibliography of relevant citations.
• These are the only four things you need to submit with your application form. You do not have to submit your finished paper or project! That means you have time to get your final draft ready after you submit your application.
• The maximum word count for the abstract/artistic description is 75 words. The research/creative process statement is a short 150-300 word statement, which is approximately two pages.
• Using the tools provided on this website, you’ll find it’s not hard to write a solid abstract and research/creative process statement. Also, please feel free to visit the Center for Student Success in the lower level of O'Grady Library, if you need assistance with your writing.
• Begin preparing your paper or presentation: Work up some drafts now and discuss them with your faculty sponsor. Make a working plan to get your paper or project done on time. You need to work with your faculty sponsor on the application form and your abstract and research statement. He or she will help you prepare the submission.