How to Craft Your Essay for the Edith Wheaton Smith Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, experiences, and influences that shaped your educational journey. Consider specific moments that highlight your commitment to your community or personal development.
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments, focusing on quantifiable results. Include leadership roles, projects, or initiatives where you made a measurable impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education and how the scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about the skills or knowledge you wish to gain.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This will help the committee connect with you on a human level.

Outline Your Essay

Creating a structured outline will help organize your thoughts. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene or presents a pivotal moment in your life. Follow with body paragraphs that explore each bucket, ensuring each section transitions smoothly to the next. Conclude with a strong closing that reinforces your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, prioritize an active voice. Use specific examples and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, clearly linking back to the scholarship’s themes. Reflect on your growth and what you learned from your experiences, answering the “So what?” question throughout your narrative.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Look for clarity and coherence in your writing. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to a unified message about your aspirations and how the scholarship will help you achieve them. Ask yourself what insights you gained and how they relate to your future goals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of clichés and generic statements that may dilute your message. Avoid using passive voice and ensure that your essay is free from invented facts or exaggerated claims. Focus on authenticity and specificity to create a compelling narrative that resonates with the scholarship committee.