First impressions are said to influence important future events like your job opportunities and relationships.
Likewise, the first impression that your proposal creates is very important.
Think of the proposal document that you need to complete when you apply for masters or PhD acceptance.
The document has guidelines on content, formatting and referencing. It also specifies limits on the word length. Often the document is formatted as a template with specific sections to complete within word limits.
But some students (Not You, of course), feel they need to share much more of their ideas than space allows. They may try to do this ‘subtly’ by reducing the margins to the width that the unfortunate printer can’t handle, or the weary eye can’t follow easily. Some also reduce the font size and line spacing.
Now imagine your tired proposal committee member working through piles of applications. The individual comes across a dense, tightly packed document. Understandably, their first impression won’t be one of delight. And that’s really unfortunate for the proposal and the student.
But this is avoidable. Adhere to the guidelines of word, page, spacing limits, etc.
Of course, other aspects like referencing play a part in the first impression of your proposal too. But that’s a topic of a future post in our series on being a Star Student.
If you need help with your proposal, dissertation or thesis, contact me at [email protected]
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