How to Craft Your Essay for the Merrill Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To develop a strong essay, gather material from the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history and experiences that have shaped your academic and career aspirations. Consider significant moments that influenced your decision to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic, extracurricular, and community involvement. Quantify your achievements with specific metrics, such as the number of projects completed, leadership roles held, or awards received.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any challenges or gaps in your education or experience. Explain how the scholarship will help you bridge these gaps and further your academic journey.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This will help the committee connect with you on a human level.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Start with a compelling introduction that grabs attention with a specific moment or experience. Follow this with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Conclude with a strong closing statement that reinforces your commitment to your educational goals and the impact of the scholarship.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and maintain a reflective tone. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on specific details that illustrate your points. Each paragraph should contain one main idea, supported by evidence from your experiences. Transition smoothly between paragraphs to ensure a logical flow.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting your essay, revisit each section and ask yourself, “So what?” This will help you reflect on the significance of your experiences and how they relate to your future goals. Revise for clarity, coherence, and impact. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain additional perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences. Authenticity is key.
• Ensure your essay stays focused on the scholarship prompt and does not stray into unrelated topics.