How to Write Your Essay for the Gene Haas Foundation Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, consider the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on the experiences that have shaped your educational journey. What challenges have you faced? Consider family influences, community involvement, or personal struggles that have motivated you.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Have you led a project, improved a process, or achieved a particular goal? Be specific about your role and the impact of your contributions.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of education or skills and explain how the scholarship will bridge that gap. Why is further study at Southwestern Illinois College essential for your future?
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details. What values drive you? What unique perspectives do you bring? This is your chance to show the committee who you are beyond your academic achievements.

Creating Your Outline

Once you have gathered your material, outline your essay to ensure a logical flow. Consider structuring it as follows:

1. Introduction: Start with an engaging moment or anecdote that captures your journey. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to detail specific situations, tasks, actions, and results.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will impact your future. What commitments do you intend to make in return for the support?

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice. Use specific examples and quantitative details to support your claims. Avoid clichés and vague expressions of passion; instead, illustrate your commitment with concrete evidence. Each paragraph should focus on one idea, ensuring clarity and coherence throughout your essay.

Revision and “So What?” Reflection

After drafting, take time to revise. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections connect your experiences to the scholarship’s goals. Seek feedback from peers or mentors who can provide constructive criticism. Look for areas where you can clarify your message or strengthen your arguments.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common pitfalls when writing your essay:

• Avoid opening with clichés or generic statements.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always attribute actions to specific subjects.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate details about your experiences or achievements.
• Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical progression of ideas.