How to Write Your Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Essay

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, experiences, and values. Consider how these elements have shaped your educational journey.
• Achievements: List your academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and community service. Be specific about your roles and the impact of your contributions.
• The Gap: Identify any gaps in your experience or education that this scholarship will help you address. Explain why further study is crucial for your personal and professional development.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes and details that illustrate your character. This can include your passions, values, and what motivates you.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene or presents a specific moment that highlights your journey. Follow with body paragraphs that delve into each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one main idea. Conclude with a strong closing that ties back to your introduction and reinforces your commitment to making an impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, aim for an active voice that engages the reader. Use specific examples and metrics to support your claims. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are passionate about education, describe a moment when you helped a peer understand a difficult concept or led a community project.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back and evaluate your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What have you learned from your experiences, and why does it matter? Ensure that your reflections are clear and demonstrate your growth. Consider seeking feedback from trusted mentors or peers to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes such as using generic phrases or failing to provide specific examples. Avoid passive voice and bureaucratic language that can dilute your message. Remember, authenticity is key; do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences. Stay focused on your unique journey and how it aligns with the scholarship's goals.