How to Write an Essay for the Elizabeth Pruehsner Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant life events.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. What projects or initiatives have you led? How have you contributed to your school or community? Be specific about your role and the impact of your efforts.
• The Gap: Identify what you still need to achieve your goals. What skills or knowledge do you lack that further education will provide? Articulate why this scholarship is crucial for your academic and professional development.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values and character. What motivates you? What are your passions? Use anecdotes to illustrate your points.

Outline Your Essay

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and flow. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures the reader's attention. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Share your personal history and how it has shaped your educational aspirations.
3. Achievements: Highlight your key accomplishments, emphasizing their significance.
4. The Gap: Discuss what you aim to achieve through further education and how this scholarship will help.
5. Personality: Conclude with reflections on your values and future goals, linking them back to the scholarship's mission.

Drafting Voice

As you draft, maintain an active voice and focus on specificity. Use clear, concise language to convey your ideas. Each paragraph should center around one main idea, ensuring logical progression throughout your essay. Remember to reflect on your experiences and articulate why they matter.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise. Ask yourself critical questions: What insights have you gained? How do your experiences connect to your future goals? Ensure that each section of your essay answers the “So what?” question, demonstrating your commitment to making a positive impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be aware of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements. Start with a unique moment that reflects your journey.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate details about your experiences. Authenticity is key.
• Steer clear of passive voice; focus on your actions and contributions.
• Ensure each paragraph has a clear purpose and contributes to the overall narrative.