How to Write Your Essay for the Ben & Martha Simmons Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, values, and experiences that have shaped your identity. Consider how your connection to the United Methodist Church has influenced your journey.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Use metrics where possible—such as leadership roles, community service hours, or awards—to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any challenges or limitations you face in your current educational path. Be specific about what you lack and explain how the scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal who you are. Share anecdotes that highlight your values, motivations, and aspirations, making sure they resonate with the scholarship's goals.

Outline Your Essay

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and flow. A typical outline may include:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that reflects your journey or values.
2. Background: Discuss your upbringing and connections to the United Methodist Church.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, linking them to your goals.
4. The Gap: Explain the challenges you face and how the scholarship will address them.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your aspirations and how receiving the scholarship will enable you to make a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and use specific language. Avoid clichés and general statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about helping others, illustrate this with a specific example of how you have made a difference in your community. Ensure each paragraph focuses on a single idea, leading logically to the next.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes and ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does it convey your message clearly? Does it reflect your growth and future aspirations? Seek feedback from trusted mentors or peers who can provide constructive criticism.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Using Clichés: Avoid overused phrases and generalizations that do not add value to your narrative.
• Being Vague: Specificity is key. Provide concrete details and examples to support your claims.
• Neglecting the Audience: Remember who will read your essay. Tailor your message to resonate with the scholarship committee.