How to Craft Your Essay for the Agaram Tamilar Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material for your essay by reflecting on four key areas:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, cultural influences, and experiences that have shaped your identity. What significant moments stand out?
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on specific metrics or outcomes. What leadership roles have you held? What projects have you completed successfully?
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek further growth. What skills or knowledge do you currently lack that this scholarship will help you acquire?
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details. What values drive you? What unique perspectives do you bring to your field of study?

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a cohesive outline. Each section should flow logically, connecting your background to your achievements, the gap in your current knowledge, and your personality. Aim for a clear introduction, body, and conclusion:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling scene or moment that captures your essence.
2. Body: Develop each bucket into its own paragraph, ensuring each one transitions smoothly into the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals and impact your community.

Drafting Your Essay

When drafting, focus on clarity and specificity. Use active voice and concrete examples. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section, reflecting on what you learned from your experiences and why they matter.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure that each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative. Ask yourself if your essay answers the key questions: What have you learned? How will this scholarship help you make a difference?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate achievements.
• Steer clear of passive voice; keep your writing active.
• Ensure your essay remains focused and coherent, avoiding tangents.