Scholars Week Abstract Checklist

Researchers in all fields of study go through a peer review process before their scholarship is presented to the public. At MTSU, the Scholars Week Committee reviews all abstracts and determines whether each project meets the university standards for public presentation of research and creative activity.

This checklist will help you prepare your abstract for review. Think of your abstract as more than a summary: it should make a concise but compelling case for why your project matters—to whom and in what way.

A good abstract can be difficult to write, so take your time and be willing to write more than one draft in collaboration with your mentor before submitting for the committee’s review.

CONTENT

  • The abstract states the project’s catalyst—the problem, issue, or situation the researcher or artist is addressing.
  • The abstract states the audience for the project—who is (should be) most invested in this matter?
  • The abstract makes clear the scholarly component of the project: in other words, it indicates the project's contribution to a particular academic conversation.
  • The abstract makes evident the progress that has been made toward completing the research or creative achievement.
  • The title is a clear and accurate description of the project’s focus.

PROCESS

  • The researcher’s mentor has reviewed/approved the abstract.
  • The researcher has sought additional peer review either from classmates or tutors.
  • The abstract has been carefully edited to meet the length requirement and to eliminate typos or writing errors. Please note that the committee may reject abstracts that go over 300 words or that need proofreading.

If you answered yes to each of the above statements, then you are ready to submit your abstract to the Scholars Week Committee for review. Good luck!