How to Craft Your Essay for the Jacey Smathers Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Divide your brainstorming into four key areas:

• Background: What experiences have shaped who you are today? Consider family influences, educational experiences, or community involvement.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and potential. Use metrics or outcomes to quantify your success, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or experiences and how this scholarship can help bridge that gap. Be specific about your educational goals and why further study is essential.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. Consider moments that have defined your commitment to your field of study or community.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. A suggested structure may include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or story that draws the reader in.
2. Background: Share your personal journey and the influences that have shaped you.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, using specific examples and metrics.
4. The Gap: Clearly articulate what you aim to achieve through further education and how this scholarship plays a role.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your aspirations and the impact you hope to make in your field or community.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice. Avoid abstract nouns and bureaucratic language. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, ensuring clarity and logical progression. Use specific details to illustrate your points, answering the “So what?” for each section.

Revision and Reflection

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure each section contributes to a coherent narrative. Ask yourself how your experiences and aspirations connect to the scholarship's purpose.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements; focus on your unique story.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active constructions to convey your agency.
• Ensure your essay is well-organized and free of grammatical errors.