How to Craft Your Essay for the Dr. Thomas Soltz Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational and career aspirations. Consider family influences, community involvement, or personal challenges.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your abilities and commitment. Use metrics or specific examples to illustrate your contributions, such as volunteer hours, leadership roles, or academic honors.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your education or experience. Explain why further study is essential for your personal and professional development, and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This humanizes your application and helps the committee connect with you on a deeper level.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create a clear outline to organize your thoughts logically. Aim for a structure that flows smoothly from one section to the next. A typical outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling in-scene moment or anecdote that captures the reader's attention.
2. Background: Discuss your experiences and how they have influenced your goals.
3. Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments and their impact.
4. The Gap: Explain your current challenges and the need for further education.
5. Personality: Share insights into your character and values.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Use specific examples and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should convey one main idea, supported by evidence and reflection. Ensure that your writing is engaging and authentic, allowing your personality to shine through.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. When you return, read through your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section: What does this reveal about me? Why does it matter? Strengthen your essay by ensuring each part connects to your overall narrative and demonstrates your potential impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid cliché openers and filler phrases. Start with a strong, specific moment.
• Steer clear of empty superlatives and vague expressions of passion. Instead, provide concrete examples.
• Do not use passive voice where an active subject exists; this makes your writing less engaging.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are truthful and verifiable.