How to Write Your Essay for the Dean's Fund For Excellence Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider significant experiences that have shaped you. What challenges have you faced? How have they influenced your educational journey?
• Achievements: List your key accomplishments. Include metrics where possible—such as leadership roles, projects completed, or awards received. What impact did these achievements have on your community or peers?
• The Gap: Identify what you still need to achieve your goals. Why is further study essential for you? Be specific about how the scholarship will help bridge this gap.
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. What values drive you? How do you engage with others? Use specific anecdotes to illustrate your character.

Creating an Outline

With your material organized, create an outline that flows logically. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in—perhaps a specific moment that illustrates your journey. Follow with sections that cover each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear purpose. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to making an impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice. Use concrete details and avoid vague statements. Instead of saying, “I am passionate about education,” demonstrate this through your experiences and insights. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your first draft, take a step back. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What does this reveal about you? Ensure that your essay reflects your growth and how you plan to contribute positively to your community and field. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls. Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not reflect your unique experiences. Ensure all facts are accurate and relevant to your narrative. Lastly, steer clear of passive language; always aim for clarity and directness in your writing.