E F L Jennings Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences, family influences, and educational journey. Consider how these factors have shaped your academic and personal identity.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and leadership. Use metrics or specific outcomes to quantify your impact, such as projects completed, leadership roles held, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Acknowledge areas where you seek growth and how further education will help you bridge these gaps. Be honest about your challenges and articulate your commitment to overcoming them.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This will humanize your application and make it memorable.

Outlining Your Essay

Structure your essay for clarity and flow. A typical outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and influences.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, using the STAR method to provide context and results.
4. The Gap: Explain what you hope to achieve through further study.
5. Personality: Share a personal story that reflects your character.
6. Conclusion: Reiterate how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals and contribute to the community.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, focusing on your role in your experiences. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying, “I have always wanted to help others,” illustrate this with a specific example of when you did so. Ensure each paragraph contains one main idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insight or impact does your story convey? Ensure that your essay reflects growth and a commitment to future contributions. Solicit feedback from peers or mentors who can provide constructive criticism.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or overly broad statements.
• Do not include invented facts or experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice; take ownership of your narrative.
• Watch for bureaucratic language; keep your writing clear and engaging.