How to Craft Your Essay for the Impact Project- SHARE Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your desire to pursue education in real estate? Consider family influences, early interests, or significant life events.
• Achievements: Identify your accomplishments relevant to real estate or community engagement. This could include academic successes, leadership roles, or projects you spearheaded. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in your educational journey. Why is this scholarship essential for you? Define your educational goals and how they connect to your future in real estate.
• Personality: Humanize your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your values and character. Share moments that reveal your resilience, creativity, or commitment to helping others.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to structure your essay effectively. Aim for a clear introduction, body, and conclusion:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey or motivation.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to a single idea. For example, one paragraph can focus on your background, another on achievements, and so on. Use transitions to connect your thoughts logically.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how this scholarship will help you achieve your goals. Emphasize your commitment to making a positive impact in your field.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you write your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are passionate about real estate, illustrate this passion through specific actions or experiences. Remember to reflect on what you learned from each experience and why it matters.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. When you return, read your essay with fresh eyes. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does it convey your message clearly? Does it reflect your growth and aspirations? Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements.
• Do not use passive voice; ensure your writing is dynamic and engaging.
• Steer clear of vague language—be specific about your experiences and achievements.
• Do not fabricate details or embellish your accomplishments; authenticity is key.