How to Craft Your Essay for the Erwin Barton Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To build a strong foundation for your essay, explore the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your interest in health? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant life events.
• Achievements: Highlight your accomplishments relevant to health. This could include academic achievements, volunteer work, or leadership roles. Use specific metrics and outcomes to demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship will help address. Be honest about your goals and how further study will bridge this gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. Share anecdotes or insights that make you relatable and memorable to the committee.

Creating an Outline

Your essay should have a clear structure. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in. Follow with body paragraphs that each focus on one of the four buckets. Conclude with a strong closing that reinforces your commitment to your field and the significance of the scholarship.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and general statements. Instead of saying, “I have always wanted to help people,” illustrate this desire with a concrete example, such as a time you volunteered at a health clinic. Ensure each paragraph has a clear main idea and flows logically to the next.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and revise your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does it convey your journey, achievements, and aspirations effectively? Are there areas where you can add more detail or clarity? Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements and empty passion. Be specific about your experiences and their significance.
• Steer clear of passive voice. Use active constructions to convey your agency and impact.
• Do not include fabricated facts or awards. Authenticity is crucial in making a genuine connection with the committee.