How to Write a Compelling Essay for the Louise L. Lundemo Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, explore your experiences through these four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your identity. What pivotal moments have influenced your path?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic, professional, or extracurricular life. Use specific metrics or outcomes to highlight your contributions.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship can help fulfill. Be honest about your aspirations and how further study will bridge this gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your values, interests, and individuality. Specific details can make your narrative more relatable and memorable.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear structure. A suggested outline could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that encapsulates your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and their impact on your educational pursuits.
3. Achievements: Highlight significant accomplishments, backing them up with data or specific examples.
4. The Gap: Explain what you hope to achieve through this scholarship and how it will help you grow.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express your commitment to making a positive impact in your field.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice and ensure each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Begin with engaging hooks, avoiding clichés. Throughout your essay, maintain a reflective tone that answers the “So what?” question. Consider how your experiences have shaped your goals and how they relate to the scholarship's mission.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Look for clarity, coherence, and engagement. Ensure each section contributes to your overall narrative. Ask yourself what insights you want the committee to take away and adjust your essay accordingly.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements and unsupported claims. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always attribute actions to yourself or others.
• Do not invent facts or embellish experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Refrain from using generic phrases or clichés that do not add value to your narrative.