How to Write a Compelling Essay for the Frey Family GED Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including challenges you’ve faced and how they have shaped your educational aspirations. Consider your GED journey and any significant moments that influenced your decision to pursue further education.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Use specific metrics where possible, such as grades, volunteer hours, or leadership roles. Highlight any responsibility you’ve taken on that demonstrates your commitment to your education.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of skills or opportunities. Discuss how attending Kankakee Community College will help bridge this gap and enhance your future prospects.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This is your chance to humanize your application and connect with the committee on a personal level.

Creating an Outline

Once you’ve gathered material from the four buckets, create a structured outline. Each section should focus on one main idea. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey or aspirations. This sets the stage for your narrative.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate sections to each of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to detail your achievements and challenges, ensuring each paragraph flows logically to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will impact your educational journey and future goals. Reinforce your commitment to making a difference in your community.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice and keep your language clear and concise. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about education, illustrate this passion through specific examples. Show the committee who you are through your experiences and insights. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in every major section to highlight the significance of your experiences.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting your essay, take a break before revising. This will help you approach your work with fresh eyes. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure each paragraph serves a purpose in your overall narrative. Ask yourself if each section answers the “So what?” question, demonstrating why your experiences matter and how they connect to your future goals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Using clichés or generic phrases that do not add value to your narrative.
• Failing to provide specific examples or metrics that illustrate your achievements.
• Neglecting to reflect on your experiences and their significance.
• Writing in a passive voice, which can dilute the impact of your message.