How to Craft Your Essay for the Dr. Andrew Boulton Award

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring four key material buckets:

• Background: Identify significant experiences that shaped who you are today. Consider family influences, educational experiences, or community involvement.
• Achievements: Highlight your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Quantify your impact where possible—did you lead a project that resulted in measurable change?
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in terms of skills or opportunities and explain how the scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic and career goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. What motivates you? What are your passions? This is your chance to show the committee who you are beyond your achievements.

Structuring Your Essay

When outlining your essay, aim for a clear and logical structure. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, transitioning smoothly to the next. A typical structure might include:

1. Introduction: Open with a compelling moment or insight that reflects your journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate paragraphs to each of the four material buckets, weaving in reflections and insights.
3. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to your goals and how the scholarship will enable you to achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are “passionate about helping others,” provide a concrete example of how you’ve made an impact in your community. Reflect on what you learned from each experience and why it matters to your future.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

Once you have a draft, revisit it with a critical eye. Ask yourself: “So what?” after each major point. Ensure that every paragraph contributes to understanding your motivations and aspirations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors who can provide constructive criticism. Revise for clarity, coherence, and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can undermine your essay:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements. Open with a unique moment that captures your journey.
• Steer clear of vague language and empty superlatives. Be precise in your claims and support them with evidence.
• Don’t forget to humanize your essay. Share personal stories that reveal your character and values.