How to Craft Your Essay for the Alfred Sellers Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four essential categories:

• Background: Consider formative experiences that 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 metrics to quantify your impact, such as leadership roles, community service hours, or projects completed.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth through further education. What skills or knowledge do you lack, and how will this scholarship help you bridge that gap?
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your character. What motivates you? What unique perspectives do you bring to your field of study?

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. Each section should logically flow from one to the next:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your journey. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Share key experiences that shaped you.
3. Achievements: Highlight your accomplishments, emphasizing their significance.
4. The Gap: Discuss what you aim to achieve through this scholarship and how it aligns with your goals.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on what you have learned and how you plan to make an impact in your field.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Each paragraph should convey a single idea, supported by specific examples. Use transitions to guide the reader through your narrative. Remember to reflect on the significance of your experiences—answer the question, “So what?” in each section.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes, checking for clarity, coherence, and engagement. Ensure that each section answers the “So what?” question, highlighting why your experiences matter and how they prepare you for future challenges.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid clichés and vague statements that do not provide insight into your character or experiences. Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language. Ensure all facts about your achievements and experiences are accurate, and do not fabricate details to enhance your narrative.