How to Write a Winning Essay for the Evelyn Kawaler Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, organize your thoughts into four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences, family influences, and educational journey. What has shaped who you are today?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use specific metrics where possible, such as GPA, leadership roles, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Consider what you currently lack in your educational experience and how this scholarship will help you bridge that gap. Be clear about your goals and how further study will support them.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reveal your values and character. What makes you unique? How do your experiences inform your perspective?

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered material from the four buckets, create an outline that logically organizes your ideas. Each section should serve a clear purpose and lead to the next. Start with a strong hook that draws the reader in—consider opening with a specific moment or anecdote that illustrates your journey. Follow this with background information, achievements, the gap you aim to fill, and conclude with a reflection on your future impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about a topic, demonstrate this passion through specific examples and outcomes. Each paragraph should center around one main idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your work critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does your essay reflect personal growth and a commitment to your goals? Ensure that your reflections connect your past experiences to your future aspirations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain new perspectives on your narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of several common pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Steer clear of excessive jargon or bureaucratic language.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences; authenticity is key.
• Ensure that every paragraph contributes to your overall narrative without unnecessary filler.