How to Write Your Essay for the Environmental Biology Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To structure your essay effectively, consider the four material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on your formative experiences related to environmental biology. What sparked your interest in this field? Consider personal stories or pivotal moments that shaped your passion.
• Achievements: List your relevant accomplishments, such as academic projects, internships, or volunteer work in environmental biology. Quantify your impact where possible, such as hours volunteered or projects completed.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth through further study. What specific knowledge or skills do you hope to gain from your education at Harper College? Explain why this scholarship is crucial for your academic journey.
• Personality: Share insights into your character and values. What makes you unique as a candidate? Use specific anecdotes to illustrate your commitment to environmental issues.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered material from the four buckets, create an outline. Each section of your essay should focus on a single idea, ensuring clarity and coherence. Start with a compelling opening that captures a moment or experience, rather than a thesis statement. Follow with sections that delve into your background, achievements, the gap in your knowledge, and your personality, leading to a strong conclusion that ties your experiences back to the scholarship’s goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and vague expressions of passion. Instead of saying you are "passionate about the environment," illustrate this through specific actions you have taken. Ensure each paragraph transitions logically to the next, guiding the reader through your narrative.

Revision and Reflection: The “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a break before revising. Return to your essay with fresh eyes. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does your narrative reflect growth, insight, and a commitment to making a difference in environmental biology? Ensure that each paragraph contributes to a coherent argument for why you deserve the scholarship.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls in scholarship essays:

• Avoid generic statements and clichés that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not exaggerate or invent experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of overly complex language; clarity should be your priority.
• Ensure you adhere to any word limits or formatting guidelines provided by the scholarship.