University of Mary Bioethics Scholarship Application Essay Scoring Rubric
Writer’s Name __________________________ Assessor ____________________________Date ___________________
Criteria to be
Outstanding (4)
Proficient (3)
Partially Proficient
Developing (1)
Assessed
(2)
Writing successfully
Writing presents a
Writing presents a
Writing presents a
1. Ideas
presents
a
relevant,
relevant
current
issue
relevant
current
issue
or
current issue or trend
(Category
current issue in Bioethics or trend in Bioethics
trend in Bioethics and
in Bioethics but does
weighted X 2)
and provides strong
and provides
provides some
not provide adequate
supporting points on the
supporting points on
supporting points on the
supporting points on
issues surrounding it to
the issues surrounding
issues surrounding it to
the issues surrounding
illustrate deep
it to illustrate
illustrate partial
it. Understanding of
understanding on the
understanding on the
understanding of the
the impact is not
impact.
impact.
impact; commentary is
evident and
sometimes obvious or
commentary is
simplistic.
obvious, simplistic, or
missing.
X2
X2
X2
X2
Writing follows an
Writing has a logical
Organization is rough
Writing is often
2. Organization
organizational structure
flow of ideas.
but workable. It
aimless and
that complements the
sometimes gets off topic. disorganized.
ideas. Essay has a
compelling and logical
flow of ideas.
Effective variation in
Good variety in
Many similar patterns
Most sentences are
3. Sentence
sentence
patterns.
length
and
structure.
and
beginnings;
some
awkward and choppy.
Fluency (3 points)
Smooth flow and
Most sentences flow choppiness and awkward
rhythm.
smoothly.
constructions.
(3)
(2)
(1)
(0)
Paragraphs have focused Paragraphs have
Paragraphs have topic
Paragraphs lack topic
4. Paragraph
and poignant topic
focused topic
sentences that need to be sentences and
Structure
sentences. Each
sentences but some
more focused and many
transitions.
paragraph flows logically transitions are
rough transitions.
from the one before and
obvious.
into the one after.
5. Voice
Writing reveals authentic
voice and distinct view
of Bioethics, leaving the
reader to want to know
more about the issue or
trend. Essay is engaging.
Writing reveals some
authenticity and
distinctiveness. Essay
is sincere and
interesting.
Writing is somewhat
bland. Voice may be
inappropriate or nonexistent at times.
Writing seems
mechanical.
Writing is lifeless. No
hint of the writer or
the writer’s sincerity
about the importance
of the topic.
6. Word Choice
Writing uses words that
are striking and fresh but
natural, varied, and
vivid.
Writing makes some
quality but also some
routine or ordinary
word choices.
Writing uses a limited
range of words. Some
words may be
confusing or
inappropriate.
7. Grammar
Usage and
Sentence
Fluency
Writing uses proper
grammar 100% of the
time. Sentences flow
well and vary in
construction and length.
Writing has a few
grammar problems.
Sentences flow well
but do not vary much.
8. Spelling and
Punctuation
Writing uses correct
punctuation and spelling
100% of the time.
Writing has a few
errors, but generally
uses correct
conventions.
Writing uses words that
are dull or uninspired.
Words may be correct
but mundane. There is
no attempt at
deliberate choice.
Writing has enough
grammar errors to
distract a reader. Some
sentences do not flow
well and/or are not
varied at all.
Writing has enough
errors in the essay to
distract a reader.
Total Score
/35
Writing has numerous
grammar mistakes and
poor sentence
construction that make
the paper hard to read.
Writing has numerous
errors that make the
paper hard to read.
MS in Bioethics Scholarship
2 - $1500 Scholarships
Date application available: January 1, 2016
Date application due: February 1, 2016
Date scholarship announced: Feb. 29, 2016
Dates scholarship funds disbursed (three installments):
-
$500 in Summer 2016
$500 in Fall 2016
$500 in Spring 2017
Qualifications:
1. Accepted into the MS in Bioethics Program
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
3. Completed application and scholarship essay (rubric attached)
4. Explain your need for financial assistance
Essay
Write an essay on a current issue in bioethics which includes answering the following:
· varying perspectives of why it is an issue
· the impact this issue has on modern day society
· the type of impact this issue could have on the future
Use APA format and include title and reference pages. The essay should be at least two but no more than 3
pages in 12 point font with 1 inch margins.