Friends Dick Smith Library Endowed Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, experiences, and influences that have shaped your academic journey. Consider significant moments or challenges that have defined your perspective.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics, responsibilities, and outcomes. Think about leadership roles, academic successes, or projects that demonstrate your commitment to education.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of skills or knowledge and explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your educational and career aspirations.
• Personality: Humanize your essay by sharing personal anecdotes and values. What makes you unique? How do your experiences inform your goals?

Outline Your Essay

Creating a structured outline will help you organize your thoughts logically. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey or motivation.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets, ensuring that each section transitions smoothly to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how this scholarship will impact your future and reaffirm your commitment to your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, provide specific examples and details. Each paragraph should convey one main idea, supporting your narrative with evidence of your achievements and aspirations.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ask yourself: What changed in me through these experiences? Why does this matter? Ensure that every section answers the “So what?” question, demonstrating the significance of your journey and future aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not include fabricated details or vague claims about your passions.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions and contributions.
• Ensure that your essay remains focused on your unique narrative without deviating into unrelated topics.