How to Write Your Essay for the ADS Alumni Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your personal journey. Consider experiences that have shaped your values and aspirations. What challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your educational path?
• Achievements: List your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Use specific metrics or examples to illustrate your responsibilities and the impact of your actions. For instance, if you led a project, detail the outcome and your role.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience that further study will address. Explain why receiving this scholarship is essential for your academic journey and future goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details. What are your values? What motivates you? Specific anecdotes can make your narrative relatable and memorable.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to structure your essay logically. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in. Follow with sections that cover your background, achievements, the gap, and personality. Ensure each section transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a coherent narrative flow.

Drafting with Voice and Clarity

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and precise language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are passionate about your field, demonstrate it through specific examples. Open with a vivid moment or scene that encapsulates your journey or aspirations. Throughout the essay, reflect on what you learned from your experiences and why those lessons matter.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. This distance will help you view your work with fresh eyes. During revision, ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Ensure that every paragraph contributes to your overall narrative and supports your case for receiving the scholarship. Look for areas where you can add detail or clarity, and eliminate any redundant phrases.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, be mindful of common pitfalls. Avoid starting with clichés or overly broad statements. Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language. Ensure that all information is accurate and verifiable—do not invent details. Lastly, remember to proofread for grammar and spelling errors to present a polished final product.