How to Craft Your Essay for the Gregory Nowlin Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on the experiences that have shaped you. Consider family influences, significant challenges, or formative moments that led you to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your leadership, commitment, and impact. Use metrics or tangible outcomes to quantify your successes, such as community service hours, projects completed, or awards received.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experiences and explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic or professional goals and how they align with the opportunities this scholarship provides.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes and reflections that reveal your values and character. This could include your passions, interests, or a pivotal moment that influenced your path.

Outline Your Essay

Once you have gathered material from the four buckets, create an outline to organize your thoughts. A suggested structure includes:

1. Introduction: Begin with a specific moment or scene that captures your journey or motivation.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets, ensuring each section transitions smoothly to the next. Clearly articulate how your background informs your achievements and aspirations.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your growth and articulate your commitment to making a positive impact in your community or field of study.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead, use specific examples and details to illustrate your points. Each paragraph should convey one main idea, progressing logically to build your narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Ensure that your reflections demonstrate personal growth and articulate the significance of your experiences. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message and clarity.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Steer clear of empty superlatives; instead, back up claims with evidence.
• Do not use passive voice; keep your writing direct and engaging.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are accurate and verifiable.