How to Craft Your Essay for the Josh Peterson Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material for your essay by exploring the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including experiences that have shaped your educational aspirations. Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant challenges you've faced.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. This could include academic honors, leadership roles, or community service projects that demonstrate your commitment and impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you lack and how further study fits into your plans. Discuss the financial barriers you face and how the scholarship will help you bridge that gap.
• Personality: Include humanizing details that reflect your values and motivations. Describe moments that reveal who you are beyond your achievements, such as hobbies or passions that drive you.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a structured outline. Each section of your essay should correspond to one of the four buckets. Start with a compelling introduction that sets the scene or shares a specific moment, then transition into your background, achievements, the gap, and personality. Ensure each section flows logically into the next.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and clear, specific language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about your field, provide examples that illustrate your commitment. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, supported by concrete details and reflections on their significance.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and revise your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What have you learned from your experiences? How have they shaped your goals? Make sure your essay not only tells your story but also connects your journey to the scholarship’s purpose.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls in scholarship essays:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate details about your experiences.
• Stay focused on clarity and coherence; ensure each paragraph contributes to your overall narrative.
• Refrain from using passive voice when an active subject exists.