Student Showcase

Tips on Writing your Application Abstract

Abstract Requirements

• Check for correct spelling and grammar.
• Do NOT include a title in the abstract text field in the application (the presentation title is entered in a separate field).
• Do not include graphics, pictures, spreadsheets, etc.
• Prepare as a single paragraph.
• Prepare your abstract in Microsoft Word (or a similar program) before beginning your application so that you can copy and paste the abstract text into the Abstract field in the application form.
• Review your abstract with your faculty sponsor before submitting your application.
• Word limit: 200 words or less.

What is an Abstract?

An abstract highlights major points of a project’s content, and also includes the following information: the work’s importance and purpose, the methods used, and any results or conclusions.

Successful abstracts may answer some of the following questions:

• What are the larger implications or significance of the project?
• What background information does a reader need to fully understand the work?
• What points best summarize the research, demonstration, exhibit or performance?
• What question is the project attempting to answer?
• What results, conclusions, or final product will the presenter share?
• What was the motivation to work on this project?

Writing Your Student Showcase Abstract

• Abstract content may vary by the type of project. For more ideas on what a successful abstract includes, read some abstract examples in various disciplines.
• Edit abstract for correct spelling and grammar. Abstracts will be distributed during the Showcase.
• Give an overview of the project. Because the event will be viewed by the entire campus and general public, limit discipline-specific terms, symbols, and abbreviations unless specifically meaningful to the project. Use highly technical language sparingly.
• Showcase abstract must be original student work. Your faculty mentor can guide you in developing the abstract and answer questions on what to include for a specific discipline.

For more information about project requirements by category, including criteria for evaluation (rubrics).