How to Write a Compelling Essay for the Aveling Family Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material from four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including your upbringing, education, and any pivotal experiences that have shaped your values and goals.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments, such as academic awards, leadership roles, or community service. Use metrics and outcomes to demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Consider what you aim to achieve through further study. What skills or knowledge do you lack that this scholarship will help you acquire?
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details. What are your core values? What motivates you? Specific anecdotes can help illustrate your character.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling scene or moment that encapsulates your journey or aspirations.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate sections to each of the four material buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one key idea.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will enable you to achieve your goals and make a difference in your community.

Drafting with Impactful Voice

As you draft, maintain an active voice and avoid clichés. Each sentence should add value and clarity. Begin with specific experiences or insights rather than general statements. Throughout your essay, reflect on what you learned from each experience and why it matters to your future.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and revise your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each key point. Ensure that every paragraph connects back to your main narrative and illustrates your commitment to personal growth and community impact. Look for opportunities to enhance clarity and specificity, particularly in your achievements and aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid vague language and superlatives. Instead, use concrete examples and metrics to support your claims.
• Steer clear of passive voice; keep your writing active and engaging.
• Do not include invented facts or experiences. Authenticity is key to building trust with the committee.