Crafting Your Essay for the Evan T. Wissing Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into the four material buckets that will shape your essay:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, experiences, and influences that have shaped your educational aspirations. What moments stand out as pivotal in your journey?
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments, whether academic, extracurricular, or community-related. Use specific metrics or examples to illustrate your contributions and their impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack and how this scholarship will help you bridge that gap. Be honest about your needs and articulate how further study will advance your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. Think about what makes you unique and how that uniqueness can contribute to your field or community.

Outline Your Essay

Creating a clear outline will help structure your essay logically. Start with an engaging introduction that opens with a specific moment or scene from your life. Follow this with sections that delve into each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Conclude with a strong closing that ties back to the scholarship's mission and your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice. Use concrete examples and specific details to illustrate your points. Avoid vague statements and clichés; instead, focus on genuine reflections and insights. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section—reflect on how your experiences have shaped you and why they matter in the context of this scholarship.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Look for clarity and coherence in your essay. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next and that your conclusions resonate with the scholarship's purpose. Ask yourself if each section answers the “So what?” question—what did you learn, and how will you apply that in the future?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements. Open with a compelling scene or moment.
• Steer clear of vague language and unsupported claims. Use specific examples and metrics where possible.
• Do not rely on passive voice. Keep your writing active and engaging.
• Ensure you do not fabricate experiences or achievements. Authenticity is key to connecting with the committee.