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Essay Attachment

Create an essay based on the 2011-2012 NEHS Common Reader, Old School, by Tobias Wolff, as part of the scholarship application process (maximum of 850 words). Select one of the prompts suggested for the book as the basis of your essay. The essay should reflect an understanding of the text, meet the requirements of the prompt, and must be the independent work of the writer. Evidence of plagiarism will disqualify any applicant.

  • The audience reading your essay will know the novel; while you are expected to reference and quote from the text, a retelling of the story in a traditional "book report format" will disqualify the essay from consideration.
  • Essays must follow the Modern Language Association style guidelines as defined in the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (latest edition).
  • Quotations and references to the novel are expected, with appropriate documentation.
  • Use 12 point Times Roman font, and double space your essay.
  • Total word count should not exceed 850 words, including quotations and references.
  • Do not place your name, school name, or NEHS charter name on your essay pages. Save your word document as a doc or docx and label it as: prompt1, prompt2, or  prompt3. 

Background Attachment

This is a brief, descriptive narrative that describes your involvement in National English Honor Society and your academic goals for college.

  • Use 12 point Times Roman font, 1 inch margins, and double space your document.
  • The title of the background document should include your full name, your school name, and NEHS charter name in your background.
  • Save your word document as a doc or docx and labled it as: background.doc or background.docx.

Tips to Create a Winning Application

  • Revise and edit your essay before submitting.
  • Follow the specific instructions for online submission carefully; you will be submitting two documents--your essay and your background document.
  • Don't wait until the last minute!
  • Applications and essays must be submitted only during the "window" of December 1, 2011 and January 23, 2012.
  • Proofread all parts of your application, including your essay, thoroughly. You are, after all, applying for an "English" scholarship!
  • Write an essay that reflects your best work, is marked by your personal voice, and is a reflection of your understanding, critical analysis, and appreciation of the text. DO NOT SUBMIT A BOOK REPORT: the readers of the essay know Old School well, so a retelling of the text will result in a disqualification of the essay.