How to Craft Your Essay for the Dr. Stephen J. Fortgang Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into the four material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on your educational journey and personal experiences that have shaped your desire to pursue a career in education. Consider challenges you've faced and how they have influenced your goals.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular activities. Use specific metrics or examples to illustrate your impact, such as leadership roles or community service initiatives.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any areas where you seek further development. Explain how this scholarship will help you bridge that gap, enhancing your skills and knowledge in education.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes or values that humanize your narrative. What drives you? What unique perspectives do you bring to the field of education?

Structuring Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline that logically flows from one section to the next. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, with clear transitions that guide the reader through your narrative. Start with a concrete moment or scene that illustrates your background or motivation, avoiding generic statements.

Drafting Voice and Reflection

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on specific details. Reflect on your experiences and articulate what they taught you. For every achievement or challenge you mention, answer the question, “So what?” This reflection will deepen your narrative and demonstrate your commitment to making an impact in education.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take time to revise. Look for clarity and coherence in your writing. Ensure that each section contributes to a unified message about your aspirations and qualifications for the scholarship. Seek feedback from peers or mentors, and be open to making changes that enhance your essay’s effectiveness.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls such as using clichés, vague language, or passive voice. Avoid making unsupported claims about your passions or experiences. Instead, ground your narrative in specific examples and measurable outcomes. Lastly, do not invent facts or embellish your achievements; authenticity is key to a compelling essay.