Crafting Your Essay for the Law Class of 1963 Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets

To create a compelling essay, consider the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your desire to study law. Consider specific moments or influences that ignited your interest in the legal profession.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your commitment, leadership, and impact. Use metrics or specific examples, such as internships, volunteer work, or academic honors, to illustrate your contributions.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any challenges or gaps in your experience that further study will address. Explain why obtaining this scholarship is essential for your academic and professional development.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values, motivations, and aspirations. Share anecdotes that highlight your character and unique perspective.

Outline Your Essay

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

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your motivation for studying law.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and influences.
3. Achievements: Highlight your key accomplishments and how they relate to your future goals.
4. The Gap: Explain what you lack and how the scholarship will help bridge that gap.
5. Personality: Share personal anecdotes that illustrate your values and aspirations.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your commitment to making an impact in the legal field.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and focus on clarity. Each paragraph should center around one main idea, leading the reader through your narrative. Avoid clichés and ensure that your writing is specific and engaging. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section, reflecting on the significance of your experiences and aspirations.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise your essay. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and depth. Ask yourself if each section effectively communicates your journey and aspirations. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors, and be open to constructive criticism. Ensure that your final essay aligns with the scholarship’s mission and values.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Avoid vague statements and empty superlatives. Specificity is key.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists.
• Steer clear of clichés and generic phrases that do not add value.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are truthful and verifiable.