How to Craft Your Essay for the Laura Allard Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, organize your thoughts into four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on experiences that shaped your educational journey. Consider challenges you faced and how they influenced your aspirations.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Include leadership roles, projects, or initiatives that demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you lack in your current education and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic and career goals.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reveal your values and motivations. This could include personal anecdotes or reflections on what drives you.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered material from the four buckets, create an outline to organize your thoughts. A strong essay typically follows this structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures attention. Avoid generic statements; instead, set the stage for your story.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to a specific theme or idea. Use the STAR method to illustrate achievements and challenges, ensuring each section reflects on what you learned and how it shapes your future.
3. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to your goals and how the scholarship will facilitate your journey. Reflect on the broader impact of your aspirations.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Use vivid details and metrics to ground your achievements. Ensure that each paragraph transitions logically to the next, guiding the reader through your narrative. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section, reflecting on the significance of your experiences.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Look for clarity and coherence, ensuring that each paragraph serves a purpose. Ask yourself what insights you gained from your experiences and how they relate to your future goals. This reflection will enhance the depth of your essay.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not rely on vague expressions of passion without evidence; instead, provide specific examples.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active voice to emphasize your role in your achievements.
• Ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable; do not invent experiences or details.