How to Write an Essay for the Beatrice McEwen Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, and pivotal moments that led you to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Include leadership roles, academic successes, and community service that demonstrate your commitment and impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience. Explain how receiving this scholarship will help bridge that gap and enable you to achieve your academic and career goals.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, motivations, and character. This is your opportunity to humanize your application and connect with the committee on a personal level.

Structuring Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, outline your essay. Aim for a clear structure that leads the reader through your narrative.

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or anecdote that draws the reader in. Avoid generic statements and aim for specificity.
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, using the STAR method to highlight your achievements and experiences. Describe the situation, your task, the actions you took, and the results.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for future challenges. Emphasize your commitment to making a positive impact in your community.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you write your first draft, maintain an active voice and clear language. Avoid jargon and bureaucratic phrasing. Instead, aim for a conversational yet professional tone that reflects your personality. Use specific details and numbers to substantiate your claims and enhance your narrative.

Revision and Reflection

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. When you return, read your essay with fresh eyes. Look for clarity, coherence, and emotional resonance. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section—ensure that each part of your essay clearly communicates its significance and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements. Your essay should be unique to you.
• Do not rely on vague language or empty expressions of passion. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points.
• Steer clear of passive voice when you can use active voice to describe your actions.
• Ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable; do not fabricate experiences or achievements.