How to Write Your Essay for the Elizabeth Jane Gilbert Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To structure your essay effectively, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences shaped your educational and career goals? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant life events.
• Achievements: Identify your most notable accomplishments. Use metrics and specific examples to illustrate your responsibilities and the outcomes of your efforts. Think about academic, extracurricular, or volunteer achievements that demonstrate your commitment and capability.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship will help you address. Be honest about your aspirations and how further study at UMass Amherst will bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. Share anecdotes that showcase your resilience, creativity, or commitment to making a difference.

Creating an Outline

With your material gathered, create a clear outline to organize your thoughts. A suggested structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that captures your reader's attention.
2. Background: Describe your journey and the influences that have shaped you.
3. Achievements: Highlight your key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Discuss your educational aspirations and how this scholarship will help you achieve them.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying, "I am passionate about education," illustrate this with an example that shows your passion in action. Ensure that each paragraph focuses on one idea and transitions logically to the next.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. When reviewing your essay, ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights or reflections have you gained? Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also conveys its significance to the scholarship committee. Look for opportunities to clarify your points and enhance your narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active language to engage your reader.
• Ensure your essay has a coherent structure and logical flow.