Tips to Write Science Po Written Pieces
This article explains in detail the two written pieces or essays required for the Sciences Po Scholarship application and comprehensive guides on how to write the two required written pieces or essays.
Since 2010, the McMillan-Stewart Foundation has collaborated with the Sciences Po American Foundation to provide Emile Boutmy merit-based scholarships to meritorious African students from Sub-Saharan African countries. This will be done specifically through Sciences Po’s undergraduate Europe Africa program.
The Written Pieces
The written pieces consist of two exercises:
- Motivations and project for Sciences Po
- An essay on one of five proposed themes
1. Motivations and project for Sciences Po
In this essay, the title can be, “Motivation for Science Po”. In this written piece, you are expected to demonstrate your motivation for Sciences Po.
Talk about your experience in secondary school and why you need an outstanding institution like Science Po for your undergraduate studies.
The Bachelor of Arts Degree at Sciences Po is offered on several campuses and proposes different specializations. Please specify your two choices and your specific interest in each of them. Read our guide about Parcoursup.
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2. An essay on one of five proposed themes
The second written exercise or essay must answer one question and only one among the five proposed themes below:
- Amongst the texts you have studied in secondary school, which would you recommend to a friend and why?
- Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of and why?
- For what cause would you refuse to take a stand and why?
- If you had the opportunity to talk to an important political leader in your country, who would you choose, what would you tell her/him and why?
- What brings you joy? Explain and elaborate.
Take the time to carefully select the question to which you will respond. This is not a knowledge test; there are no “right” or “wrong” answers. Rather, choose the prompt that will allow you to engage in the most personal and authentic reflection, allowing you to present your writing in all of its uniqueness. Once you’ve decided on a theme, you must stick to it! And, of course, apply the highest writing and thinking standards to it.
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Three Tips for Writing A Strong and Convincing Essay
- Your essays are yours and no one else’s: Of course, it is always beneficial to seek outside writing advice. However, exercise caution when multiplying the number of proofreaders or revisions. While a few changes can improve the overall quality of your essays, too many changes can distort them and ultimately jeopardize their authenticity. You are also in the best position to understand and discuss your abilities, motivations, and personality. You should recognize and be proud of yourself in the final version of the essays.
- “Sell yourself” but stay humble: a question of balance – Don’t be afraid to flaunt your abilities and accomplishments. A word of caution, however: make sure they are relevant to your academic goals. Remember to contextualize them by providing specific examples that illustrate what you want to convey. This enables you to present your strengths in a justified and thoughtful manner without succumbing to arrogance.
- Don’t send the first draft and don’t wait until the last minute. You will not be able to complete your essays in one sitting. Do not start working on them the day before the deadline: you need time to think, build your arguments, and proofread with a fresh pair of eyes to improve where necessary and ensure that each essay meets all of the requirements. You’ll need time to incorporate edits and advice from another proofreader, as well as correct any spelling and syntax errors! Do you prefer a formal or more casual look? It makes no difference as long as you remain consistent and sincere. Try to write essays that are enjoyable to read and contain clear and relevant ideas.
Aim for ease of use and efficiency! Maintaining the required length also takes time. “I only made this one longer because I didn’t have time to make it shorter,” wrote 17th-century French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal in his famous commentary on one of his letters.
Visit Here to Apply for The Sciences Po Scholarship