Crafting Your Essay for the Earle and Janet Reid Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family influences, community involvement, or challenges you've faced.
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. What leadership roles have you held? What projects have you completed that demonstrate your skills?
• The Gap: Identify what you lack in your current education and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals for further study.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reflect your values and character. What motivates you? How do you engage with your community?

Creating an Outline

Your outline should provide a logical flow for your essay. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or experience. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one idea and transitions smoothly to the next. Conclude with a strong closing statement that reinforces your commitment to making an impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, use an active voice and specific language to convey your experiences and aspirations. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on concrete details that illustrate your journey and insights. Each paragraph should reflect a clear idea, answering the question, “So what?” in relation to your experiences.

Revision and ‘So What?’

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work. Does each section effectively convey your message? Are your achievements and aspirations clearly articulated? Seek feedback from peers or mentors, and be open to making revisions that enhance clarity and impact. Ensure that your conclusion ties back to your opening, leaving a lasting impression on the committee.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés that do not add value to your essay.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your role in your accomplishments.
• Ensure your essay is well-organized and free of grammatical errors.