How to Craft Your Essay for the Lyle & Josephine Reisman Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material by reflecting on four key areas: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider the experiences that have shaped you. What challenges have you faced? How have these experiences influenced your educational journey?
• Achievements: Identify your accomplishments. Quantify your achievements whenever possible—include metrics, leadership roles, or significant contributions to projects.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you still need to achieve your goals. Why do you need this scholarship? How will it help you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be?
• Personality: Think about unique traits or values that define you. Include specific anecdotes that illustrate your character and commitment to your field of study.

Creating an Outline

With your material gathered, create a structured outline. Start with a compelling opening that draws the reader in—consider starting with a specific moment or experience that encapsulates your journey. Organize your essay around the four buckets, ensuring each section flows logically to the next. Aim for one main idea per paragraph to maintain clarity.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying, “I have always wanted to help people,” provide a concrete example of how you have done so. Reflect on what you learned from each experience and why it matters to your future.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back. Review each section and ask yourself, “So what?” This question helps ensure that your writing reflects not only what you have done but also why it is significant. Make revisions that enhance clarity and impact, focusing on how your experiences and aspirations align with the values of the scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements.
• Do not include irrelevant information that does not support your main message.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions and contributions.
• Ensure your essay is free from grammatical errors and typos, as these can distract from your message.