How to Write Your Essay for the Donald E. Elson Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by considering the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family influences, community involvement, or challenges you've faced.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use metrics and specific examples to illustrate your responsibilities and outcomes, such as leadership roles or projects you initiated.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in terms of education or skills. Explain how the Donald E. Elson Scholarship will help bridge this gap and enhance your future opportunities.
• Personality: Share details that humanize you. What values drive you? What are your interests outside of academics? Specific anecdotes can help the committee connect with you on a personal level.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create a structured outline. Each section of your essay should focus on one main idea:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that draws the reader in. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets, ensuring you reflect on what you learned and why it matters.
3. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to your educational goals and how the scholarship will support your journey.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice that emphasizes your role in your achievements and experiences. Be specific and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next, maintaining logical progression and clarity.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take time to revise. Ask yourself: What changed in me through these experiences? Why does this matter to my future? Ensure that each section of your essay answers the “So what?” question, providing depth and insight into your journey.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you write, be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic phrases that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not use passive voice; instead, highlight your actions and contributions.
• Steer clear of vague statements about passion without concrete examples to back them up.
• Ensure you do not fabricate experiences or details; authenticity is crucial.