My Davidson Submission Tips

Brainstorming Content

• The sky’s the limit. You don’t have to be traveling abroad or starting an internship to submit a story. We want to hear about your favorite clubs, moments of growth, and exciting social experiences at Davidson, too.
• Consider stand-out moments, whether it’s a class project you loved, a friendship you’ve formed, or something else entirely.
• Avoid academic jargon. Don’t feel you have to treat this like an academic assignment — write in the first person; we want to hear from you about your experience. Remember, you want to make it fun for someone else to read.
• Be descriptive. Any detail you can provide that helps the reader get a better sense of your experience is great — an anecdote that illustrates your point, the colors, smells, sounds.
• Not a writer? Submit a photo essay or vlog! Storytelling is not one-size-fits-all, and if you have a knack for photography or vlogging, we want your experiences represented too.
• More than one post? No problem. For example, you could choose to submit one before you study abroad — perhaps explaining why you chose a particular program and what you’re most excited or nervous about — and another during or after your time abroad on moments with your host family or an experience or interaction that will stay with you.

Writing Tips

• Write in the first person
• Aim for anywhere between 250 and 500 words and no more than 1,000 words.
• Please include photos to go along with your words.
• Submission text should be attached Word document (.doc or .docx). If you write in Google Docs, download it as a Microsoft Word document [ File > Download > Microsoft Word (.docx) ] to attach to the form.

Photo & Video Tips

To make your story stand out, please provide us with photos and/or video to include with your story. Minimally, we ask for a headshot of yourself to be included with each post. 

• For photo essays: Provide 10–15 images with captions, along with a short introduction and conclusion.
• For vlogs: Videos should be no longer than 5 minutes. Please also include a short introduction.
• Attach photos and videos as individual files when you submit your story.
• Include your name as part of any photo or video file names that are uploaded.
• Please consider photo quality as you submit. Large photos work better to avoid pixelation.
• Please ensure you have consent from your photo or video subjects. Only submit photos you have taken and have rights to.

All submissions will be reviewed by College Communications editorial staff for spelling, grammar, length, and for issues pertaining to libel. The editor reserves the right to determine whether material submitted for publication shall be posted. Should any questions arise, all reasonable efforts will be made to contact the writer.