How to Craft Your Essay for the Brad Evans Scholarship Fund

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational and career aspirations. Consider significant events, influences, or challenges that have motivated you.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify these achievements where possible, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or awards received.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience that further study will address. Articulate how the scholarship will help bridge this gap.
• Personality: Think about the values and traits that define you. Include anecdotes that showcase your character and how you engage with your community.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a structured outline. Each section of your essay should have a clear purpose and flow logically from one idea to the next. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or story that encapsulates your journey. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Describe your formative experiences and how they relate to your goals.
3. Achievements: Highlight significant accomplishments and their impact on your growth.
4. The Gap: Discuss what you hope to gain from further study and how the scholarship will facilitate this.
5. Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reflect your values and aspirations.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting Voice

When writing your essay, maintain an active voice. Use specific examples and details to illustrate your points. Each paragraph should focus on one idea, ensuring clarity and coherence. Remember to answer the “So what?” question—explain why your experiences and aspirations matter.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity, strengthen arguments, and improve flow. Ensure that each section contributes to a cohesive narrative that answers the core prompt. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls that can undermine your essay:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements that do not provide insight into your character or experiences.
• Do not rely on passive voice; keep your writing active and engaging.
• Steer clear of heavy bureaucratic language; aim for clarity and relatability.
• Never fabricate details or achievements; authenticity is crucial.