<p>I'm a semifinalist trying to put my application together. Right now I have to figure out what to write the essay about. The NA prompt is:</p>
<p>"To help the reviewers get to know you, describe an experience you have had, a person who has influenced you, or an obstacle you have overcome. Explain why this is meaningful to you. Use your own words and limit your response to the space below."</p>
<p>Problem is, I can't find any sample National Achievement essays online. Can any fomer NASFs post their (successful) essays so we can see what the scholarship people are looking for? Thanks.</p>
<p>Looking at other essays may not be that helpful. I think the effective essay is personal – about you, what’s important to you and what’s shaped you. </p>
<p>Very similar to the essay for the common app.</p>
<p>Really, this is Standard Application Essay #1. You’re going to be asked this question at various points throughout your life (future applications, entry level job interviews, etc.) so it’s a good idea to think about your personal story now. </p>
<p>My daughter just used some of what she’s writing on the Common App for her NMSF essay. She wrote about an experience she’d had at summer camp and how it caused her to realize something about herself that was important. It wasn’t earth-shattering, just focused, personal and well-written. </p>
<p>I think they just want to see that you have insight and can communicate it in writing. Unless you really screw up in some spectacular way, you’re in as a finalist.</p>