How to Craft Your Essay for the Margaret E. Oser Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, consider the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, experiences, and influences that shaped your educational path. What moments stand out as pivotal?
• Achievements: List your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Use specific metrics or examples that highlight your responsibilities and outcomes.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship will help bridge. Why is further study crucial for your development?
• Personality: Humanize your essay by sharing personal anecdotes or values. What makes you unique, and how do your experiences inform your goals?

Creating an Outline

Once you've gathered your thoughts, create an outline to organize your essay logically. A typical structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or experience that captures your journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate sections to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus and transitions smoothly to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will impact your future and connect back to your opening moment.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice. Use specific examples and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, supporting your overall narrative. Remember to reflect on your experiences and articulate why they matter, answering the “So what?” question throughout your essay.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to your overall message and that you have effectively conveyed your insights and growth. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not rely on passive voice; always highlight your actions and contributions.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are accurate and verifiable; do not fabricate details.