How to Write Your Essay for the Howard and Muriel Rose Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal journey. What experiences have shaped your interest in nutrition and dietetics? Consider family influences, educational experiences, or personal challenges.
• Achievements: List relevant accomplishments. Include academic achievements, volunteer work, internships, or projects that demonstrate your commitment to the field. Use specific metrics or outcomes to highlight your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience. Explain how this scholarship will help you bridge that gap, enhancing your ability to contribute to the field of nutrition and dietetics.
• Personality: Humanize your essay with personal anecdotes. Share stories that reveal your values, motivations, and commitment to making a difference in the field.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay for clarity and flow. Start with an engaging introduction that opens in-scene or with a specific moment related to your journey. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one idea. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to the field and the scholarship’s role in your future.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, focusing on your actions and decisions. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about nutrition, illustrate that passion with specific examples of how you have engaged with the subject. Ensure each paragraph transitions logically to the next, maintaining a coherent narrative throughout.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and revise with fresh eyes. Ask yourself: What changed in me through these experiences? Why does this matter to the scholarship committee? Ensure that each section of your essay answers the “So what?” question, demonstrating your growth and future aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or overly broad statements.
• Steer clear of vague language; be specific about your experiences and achievements.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your accomplishments; honesty is crucial.
• Ensure your essay is free from grammatical errors and flows logically.