Officers

Donations

Volunteering

Incorporation

Bylaws

Contest Rules

Winners

Minutes

Judging Criteria 

EACH ESSAY IS TO BE SCORED BY A MINIMUM OF THREE JUDGES

This is an ESSAY contest. The scholarship awards will be made based solely on the following criteria. This criterion is to be followed as closely as possibly by all judges in order to standardize the contest. Each essay may receive a maximum of 100 points. Points are distributed as follows (the number in parentheses is the maximum number of points awarded for that category): DO NOT DISCUSS ESSAYS OR READ OUT LOUD!

FORM (20)

This is the structural part of the essay-the "bones" upon which the rest hangs. Though it is essential to support the essay, form is only worth 20 points as it is expected. This allows more points for the subjective judging areas.

GRAMMAR (5) 

Applicants are urged to proofread their essays and to ask for additional proofreading assistance. There is no reason for mistakes. (One typo, misused word, or homonym should cost 1 point. A really glaring error 3 points off.)

ORGANIZATION (5) 

The type of organization may differ (past to present to future, school to clubs, to hobbies, etc.) but it must be obvious. (No organization at all, no points. A change in organization, 1 point off.)

CRAFTSMANSHIP (10) 

Punctuation is essential to understanding. This includes reasonable paragraphing and creative word use of any sort (Paragraphs in right place, excellent construction, correct punctuation, etc., give 10 points. Subtract points for run‑on sentences, improper paragraphs, incorrect punctuation, etc.)

CONTENT (40)

This is the essential part of the essay. It must include the necessary information. This part is worth 40 points because the two components cover the substance of the essay. The essay writer must have demonstrated preparation toward the goal stated.

GOAL STATEMENT (20) 

It is essential that the degree goal and/or career goal be specified. This is not the subsection for the judge's preferences for or against the "worth" of the goal to be reflected. (If after reading you can't state what this person's goal is, no points. Best would be a combination of specific with general, i.e. get this degree/training to become this or go into this career. A general goal such as work with whales meets the criterion but isn't as strong a goal statement. Subtract 2 to 5 points.)

SUPPORTING STATEMENTS (20) 

A listing of honors received, while impressive, does not necessarily support the goal specified. The statements, previous studies, experience, and activities must support the goal. The MERF scholarship is given to those students who have made a commitment and can prove it Statements as to why he/she wishes to achieve this goal or go in this direction are also supporting statements. (This is a subjective judgment of how well the statements support the goal. Good support should get 18 to 20 points, so-so support should get 12 - 17 points and no support should get no points.)

IMPRESSION (40)

This part is for the judge's reaction. It is worth 40 points and gives latitude to the variety of opinions reflected in the judges.

ATTITUDE (10) 

The applicants must believe in themselves and the likelihood of the success of their goals. Give points on the attitude you perceive in the essay. (A positive attitude gets top points. "I'm writing this to please my parents." attitude gets less.)

PROGNOSIS (10) 

The judges must have the impression that the goal stated and supported by this assay has a reasonable chance of being achieved. (if you think it can be done. give 10 points. If you think its impossible, give no points. If you're in doubt, give less than 10 but reflect on where did you think you were going when you were their age.)

PERSONAL REACTION (20) 

This is the place for the judge's personal opinion. Also, the pathos/egotism abhorrence reaction can be reflected here. (if you love it give 20 points. If you hate it, 0 points. Use the whole range with 10 points being no reaction.)

For comments, questions, and feedback, contact the webmaster or any of the Foundation's officers.

    P. O. Box 814094

    Dallas, Texas  75381-4094