Information

Competition Information & Deadlines:

  • Round one submissions are due Friday, 30 March 2018. Stories can be submitted here.
  • The top five stories from round one will be announced Tuesday, 3 April 2018.
  • Authors of the top five stories will have the option to refine and be coached on their stories Wednesday, 4-10 April 2018.
  • Top five story authors submit for round two Tuesday, 10 April 2018.
  • Voting on the top five stories through social media 11-13 April 2018.
  • Winner of judges’ choice and audience choice will be announced Monday, 16 April 2018

Examples of Student Stories

Prizes

  • Judges’ Choice will receive a $500 travel voucher*
  • Audience Choice will receive a $200 travel voucher*

*The travel voucher will be redeemed through BYU Travel by August 31, 2018 or before winner's graduation, whichever is first. This may only be applied towards one ticket/round trip. Any remaining value is forfeited. No reedemable cash value.

Judging Criteria

Judging will be based on the following five criteria for the first round:

  1. THROUGHLINE
    • Include a central theme (it could be “How the social venture academy benefitted my life”) that permeates the entire story from beginning to end.
    • Make sure that each sentence logically links and makes sense with the last sentence. When in doubt, ask friend.
  2. SHOW DON'T TELL
    • Help us see what you have experienced through illustrative words.
    • Tell example: I did a lot of service growing up. It changed my life.
    • Show example: Growing up, I often visited Ruth, an elderly woman down the street. After spending time with her, her wrinkly smile would be brighter than when I arrived. I felt a connection to her as I helped with tasks around the house her aged body couldn’t manage, and I decided I wanted to make service the focus of my future.
  3. SWIM TRUNK PRINCIPLE
    • Keep it short, cover what you need to. While beautiful words are essential to story telling, multiplying words unnecessarily will take away from the power of your story. Eliminate filler words and sentences.
  4. ENTHUSIASM
    • A good story evokes emotion. Let us see your passion for the Ballard Center.

FAQ

What if I am not a BYU student?

Only BYU students may submit a story. Future Ballard Story Competitions may give Ballard alumni an opportunity to submit a story, but only current BYU student stories will be accepted this semester.

How many stories may I submit for consideration?

You may only submit one story.

What if I don’t have a specific idea for a story?

We suggest brainstorming what experiences you had in the past that led you to want to Do Good Better and which classes, programs, and internships that have been most influential on your present and future.



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