How to Craft Your Essay for the Class of 1966 Endowed Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Your essay should encompass four key material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality. Here’s how to approach each:

• Background: Reflect on experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant life events.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments, such as academic awards, leadership roles, or community service. Use metrics to quantify your impact where possible.
• The Gap: Identify what you lack in your current educational journey and explain how further study at Worcester State University will fill that gap. Be specific about your goals and how the scholarship will facilitate them.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your values, character, and motivations. This will help the committee connect with you on a human level.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have brainstormed your material, create an outline to organize your thoughts. A typical structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey or aspirations.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to a specific bucket. Ensure each paragraph has a clear focus and ties back to your main theme.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how receiving the scholarship will impact your future and reiterate your commitment to making a positive contribution.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are passionate about your field, demonstrate that passion through examples and experiences. Remember to answer the 'So what?' question—reflect on what you learned from your experiences and why they matter to your future.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Look for clarity, coherence, and impact. Each section should contribute to your overall narrative. Ask yourself if each paragraph answers the question of 'So what?'—what insights have you gained, and how will they influence your future actions?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not provide insight into your character or experiences.
• Steer clear of passive voice; ensure your writing is direct and engaging.
• Do not invent details or exaggerate experiences; authenticity is key to a compelling essay.