How to Write Your Essay for the Brian Gleason Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant life events.
• Achievements: Identify your key accomplishments. These might include academic successes, leadership roles, or community service. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in your educational journey. Why do you need this scholarship? Discuss the financial, academic, or experiential gaps that further study will help you address.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. What motivates you? What unique perspectives do you bring?

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay to ensure a logical flow. Consider the following outline:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid moment or scene that captures your journey. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Provide context about your life and experiences.
3. Achievements: Highlight significant accomplishments that demonstrate your readiness for further study.
4. The Gap: Discuss what you need to achieve your goals and how the scholarship fits into this picture.
5. Personality: Share insights and reflections that showcase your character.
6. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to making a positive impact with the support of the scholarship.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice throughout your essay. Engage the reader with specific examples and reflections. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your narrative. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section—explain why your experiences matter and how they connect to your future.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back to revise. Look for clarity and coherence. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to your overall message. Ask yourself: Does this section reflect my journey? Does it highlight my growth and future aspirations? Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors to gain fresh perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic phrases. Make your essay unique to your experiences.
• Steer clear of vague statements about passion without evidence. Show, don’t tell.
• Ensure all facts and figures are accurate and relevant to your narrative.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists. This will enhance the clarity of your writing.