Leung Family Community Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, culture, and experiences that have shaped your perspective. What community values have influenced your educational path?
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, focusing on quantifiable outcomes. Consider leadership roles, volunteer work, or academic successes that demonstrate your commitment to community and education.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of skills or knowledge that further education will help you address. How will this scholarship bridge that gap?
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reveal your values and character. What unique traits or experiences make you a compelling candidate?

Outlining Your Essay

Structure your essay with a clear outline. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in, perhaps by sharing a specific moment that illustrates your connection to community. Follow with sections that delve into each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one idea. Conclude with a strong statement about your future goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, maintain an active voice and be specific. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate, illustrate your passion with concrete examples and outcomes. Each paragraph should build logically on the previous one, leading the reader through your narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After your draft is complete, take a step back and reflect on the significance of your experiences. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also highlights why it matters to the scholarship committee. Revise for clarity, coherence, and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes. Avoid vague language and superlatives that lack evidence. Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences. Ensure that your essay reflects your authentic voice and unique journey. Lastly, steer clear of bureaucratic phrases that dilute your message.