How to Craft Your Essay for the Fred & Louise Kienow Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Consider your personal history, including family, community, and experiences that have shaped your educational goals.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities and commitment to your education. Use metrics or outcomes to quantify these achievements where possible.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in terms of skills or knowledge and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your educational and career aspirations.
• Personality: Share unique aspects of yourself that make you a strong candidate. This could include your values, interests, or experiences that humanize your application.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically. A clear outline will help ensure that each section flows into the next. Here’s a suggested format:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Discuss your personal history and experiences that have led you to pursue further education.
3. Achievements: Highlight your key accomplishments, focusing on those relevant to your educational goals.
4. The Gap: Explain what you hope to achieve through the scholarship and how it will help you overcome current challenges.
5. Personality: Infuse your narrative with personal insights that reflect your values and aspirations.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and reaffirm your commitment to making a positive impact through your education.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, using transitions to guide the reader through your narrative. Remember to reflect on how each experience has shaped you and why it matters in the context of your educational goals.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure that every section answers the question, “So what?” by reflecting on the significance of your experiences and aspirations. Solicit feedback from peers or mentors to gain perspective on your narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you refine your essay, be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of vague expressions of passion without concrete examples.
• Do not use passive voice; focus on what you have done and achieved.
• Ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable; do not invent details about your experiences or the scholarship.