How to Write a Compelling Essay for the IDSA Design Merit Award

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To effectively structure your essay, gather material across these four essential buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, influences, and experiences that have shaped your interest in design. Consider significant moments or challenges that have led you to pursue this field.
• Achievements: Document your accomplishments related to design. Include specific projects, roles, or competitions where you demonstrated leadership and creativity. Use metrics or outcomes to quantify your impact when possible.
• The Gap: Identify any gaps in your current education or experience that this scholarship would help you fill. Explain why further study is essential for your development as a designer and how it aligns with your career aspirations.
• Personality: Bring your unique self into the essay. Share anecdotes or values that define you as a person and a designer. This will help the committee connect with you on a human level.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create a detailed outline. Start with a strong opening that draws the reader in with a specific moment or experience. Organize your essay to flow logically from your background to your achievements, then to the gap and your personality. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a coherent narrative throughout.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are passionate about design, illustrate that passion through concrete examples of your work or experiences. Each section should reflect your growth and insights, answering the “So what?” for the reader. This reflection is crucial for demonstrating your commitment to making an impact in the design field.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Read through your essay with fresh eyes, focusing on clarity and coherence. Ensure that each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to the overall message. Ask yourself if you have effectively answered the prompt and highlighted your qualifications. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives on your essay.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Using clichés or generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Failing to provide specific examples that illustrate your achievements and experiences.
• Neglecting to reflect on your personal growth and the significance of your experiences.
• Overlooking the importance of a clear structure and logical flow in your essay.