How to Craft Your Essay for the Elmer & Eunice Mohl Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, experiences, and influences that have shaped your educational path. Consider significant moments that ignited your desire to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Include academic achievements, leadership roles, or community service that demonstrate your commitment and ability to succeed.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of skills or knowledge and explain how further study will help you bridge that gap. Be specific about your educational goals and how the scholarship will facilitate your journey.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and character. This is your chance to humanize your application and make a memorable impression.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent structure. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and influences.
3. Achievements: Highlight significant accomplishments and their impact on your life.
4. The Gap: Explain what you hope to achieve through further education.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your commitment to making a difference and how the scholarship will help you realize your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice. Use specific examples and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, ensuring clarity and coherence throughout your essay. Remember to show reflection—consider what you learned from each experience and why it matters.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections connect your experiences to your future goals and demonstrate your potential impact. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your narrative further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your essay.
• Do not rely on passive voice; ensure your actions and achievements are clearly articulated.
• Refrain from fabricating details or exaggerating accomplishments—honesty is crucial.
• Stay focused on your unique story; avoid comparing yourself to others.