<p>This should hopefully be a relatively simple answer. Right now, I am writing an essay to submit to a school for their presidential scholarship. Their prompt is simple, and asks "What strengths/assets do you have that you feel would contribute to this school's community?" and the word limit is 500 words.</p>
<p>The prompt is not the problem. The debate I am having is with my ideas. I have thought of three strengths to include, but 500 words isn't all that much once I get going. For those who have written a lot of essays, would it be more beneficial to take out the least developed idea, focus on only two of the strengths, but make them very developed? Or should I find a way to include the third idea to demonstrate diversity, at the cost of excluding details in the other ideas?</p>
<p>@“Subversive Asset” That’s what I was thinking; thank you very much!</p>
<p>Another question that is kind of related. The website of the university mentions it is a “presidential diversity scholarship.” Based on the name, I feel like I should talk about my extracurricular activities somehow. Then again, I could be incorrect. Would it be beneficial to include some of these, or should I focus on ideas that can’t be expressed in an application? Thanks!</p>
<p>Here is what is posted on the website, and a description of the scholarship:</p>
<p>“The Presidential Diversity Scholarship encourages further diversity within the [school’s] community to ultimately enhance all students’ education and the excellence of the University. [This school] offers several full-tuition scholarships to recruit all populations, including female and minority students, of high academic achievement in order to cultivate a stimulating and dynamic environment for learning.”</p>
<p>It seems to me that what this scholarship is looking for are students who can contribute to the diversity of the university and/or who have a track record of supporting, committing to, and appreciating diversity in their lives. </p>
<p>So, do your extracurricular activities show that? </p>
<p>I would say my EC’s do. I seem to remember in my acceptance packet that the instructions were very vague with what to include in this essay. This confuses me even more since the essay is looking for qualities while the instructions online sound like they are looking for examples of diversity itself, not necessarily different qualities. </p>
<p>Luckily, I have a friend who attends this university and also went through this presidential scholarship process. I’ll see what he has to say as well. Thank you so much!</p>
<p>My opinion is that your essay should focus on demonstrating a commitment to and have an appreciation for diversity. Additionally, a strong counselor/teacher recommendation confirming your diversity-related traits/activities would elevate your chances.</p>