Basic Criteria: Are competently written; are fully developed; avoid clichés; demonstrate an interest in exploring technology and using it to articulate pursuits, ideas and information.

Competitive Criteria: Demonstrate excellent, mature writing skills; the presence of a voice and personal writing style; critical thinking; ownership of the ideas presented; self-awareness; a willingness to explore a variety of new ways to apply technology.

Basic Criteria: Are competently written; are fully developed; avoid clichés; demonstrate an interest in exploring technology and using it to articulate pursuits, ideas and information.

Competitive Criteria: Demonstrate excellent, mature writing skills; the presence of a voice and personal writing style; critical thinking; ownership of the ideas presented; self-awareness; a willingness to explore a variety of new ways to apply technology.

Issue-based Essay

Basic Criteria: Demonstrates a grasp of what constitutes a societal problem that can be addressed through technology; demonstrates grasp of what constitutes a technological solution.

Competitive Criteria: Demonstrates unusual insight into a genuine issue or problem; creative problem-solving; original thinking; ability to probe beneath the surface of both the problem and the solution.

Basic Criteria: Strong transcript. Strong test scores, if available.

Competitive Criteria: Overall, consistent academic strength. Student takes challenging courses and performs well.

Basic Criteria: Reveals some leadership and an above average level of energy for becoming involved in activities outside of the classroom; previous record of technology experience not necessarily a priority if other qualities recommend candidate.

Competitive Criteria: Reveals leadership, varied interests, a high level of energy; initiative to create or seek out special activities or opportunities; previous record of technology activities not necessarily a priority if other qualities recommend candidate.

Basic Criteria: Rate candidate above average or excellent in most categories. Are generally positive.

Competitive Criteria: Rate candidate very strong, provide specific evidence of independence, initiative, ability to work with others, ability to accept and apply criticism, and strengths in areas relating to creativity and analytical processing.