How to Write Your Essay for the Laurens Sartoris Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including challenges you've faced and formative experiences. Consider how these have shaped your values and aspirations.
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Focus on measurable outcomes, such as leadership roles, community service hours, or projects that had a tangible impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you lack in your current education or experiences that this scholarship will help address. Be specific about how further study will enable you to overcome these gaps.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character. Highlight your values, interests, and what motivates you beyond academics.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and logical flow. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your journey or aspirations.
2. Background: Provide context about your upbringing and experiences that inform your educational goals.
3. Achievements: Detail your accomplishments, emphasizing their significance and the skills you developed.
4. The Gap: Clearly articulate the educational needs you wish to address through this scholarship.
5. Personality: Share personal stories that illustrate your values and character.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your commitment to making a difference and how the scholarship will empower you to achieve your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, aim for an active voice that engages the reader. Use specific details to enhance your narrative and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, transitioning smoothly to the next to maintain coherence. Remember to show personal growth and insight, answering the question of why your experiences matter.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise your essay. Look for areas where you can deepen your reflection or clarify your points. Ensure that each section answers the “So what?” question—what did you learn, and why does it matter? Seek feedback from mentors or peers to gain different perspectives on your narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid cliché openers and filler phrases that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of vague language; instead, provide concrete examples and metrics.
• Do not rely on passive voice; use active constructions to convey your agency.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are truthful and verifiable.