How to Craft Your Essay for the G.A. Johnston Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across these four buckets:

• Background: Identify key experiences that have shaped who you are. This could include family influences, cultural background, or significant life events.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities. Use metrics or outcomes to quantify your impact, such as leadership roles, academic successes, or community service.
• The Gap: Acknowledge areas where you seek growth. Discuss what you currently lack in your academic journey and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character and values. This could include challenges you've faced or moments of insight that have driven your commitment to your goals.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. Each section should flow logically into the next. Start with a strong opening that immerses the reader in a specific moment or scene. Follow with your background, achievements, the gap you aim to fill, and conclude with a reflection on your future aspirations. Ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus and contributes to your overall narrative.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and generic statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about a topic, demonstrate that passion through specific examples and outcomes. Each paragraph should focus on one idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your story.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and revise with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What does this reveal about you? How does it connect to your goals? Seek feedback from peers or mentors to ensure clarity and impact. Focus on refining your narrative, ensuring that it resonates with the scholarship committee.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid vague language and superlatives without evidence. Instead, provide specific examples that illustrate your points.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your role in achievements.
• Do not fabricate experiences or embellish facts. Authenticity is key to a compelling narrative.