Crafting Your Essay for the COAHS Deans Dev. Fund Hilley

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Utilize the four material buckets to organize your thoughts:

• Background: Reflect on experiences that shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, cultural background, and significant life events.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Quantify your impact where possible, such as leadership roles, community service, or academic honors.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack that further study will help you address. Explain how this scholarship will bridge that gap and enhance your educational experience.
• Personality: Include humanizing details that convey your values, interests, and aspirations. Think about unique experiences that showcase your character.

Creating an Outline

Draft a clear outline to guide your essay structure. Each section should focus on one of the four material buckets:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or story that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss formative experiences and their significance.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their impact.
4. The Gap: Articulate your educational needs and how the scholarship will help fulfill them.
5. Personality: Share insights about yourself that resonate with the committee.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and commit to making a positive impact in your field.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and maintain clarity throughout. Open with a vivid scene or moment that draws the reader in. Avoid clichés and vague expressions of passion; instead, provide specific examples that illustrate your points. Ensure each paragraph focuses on a single idea, leading the reader logically through your narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Ensure that you reflect on how your experiences have shaped you and why they matter in the context of the scholarship. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your essay further.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls in scholarship essays:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions and contributions.
• Make sure your essay has a clear focus and logical flow, avoiding tangents.