How to Craft Your Essay for the Marjorie E. Goudreault Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped who you are today? Consider family influences, community involvement, and challenges you have faced.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Quantify your successes when possible—mention awards, leadership roles, or projects that had a measurable impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in your educational journey. How will this scholarship help you bridge that gap? Be specific about your educational goals and how they relate to your career aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. What unique perspectives do you bring? Use anecdotes that illustrate your determination and resilience.

Creating an Outline

Draft a clear outline based on your brainstorming. Start with a strong opening that captures attention, such as a specific moment or experience that reflects your journey. Organize your essay into sections that flow logically:

1. Introduction: Hook the reader with a vivid scene or moment.
2. Background: Provide context about your life and influences.
3. Achievements: Highlight your key accomplishments.
4. The Gap: Discuss your educational goals and how the scholarship will help.
5. Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reflect your character.
6. Conclusion: Reiterate your commitment to your education and future impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you write, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and ensure that each paragraph conveys a single idea. Use transitions to guide the reader through your narrative, showing logical progression from one point to the next. Reflect on your experiences and articulate why they matter, answering the “So what?” question throughout your essay.

Revision and Reflection

After drafting your essay, take a break before revising. Read your essay aloud to catch awkward phrasing and ensure it flows smoothly. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors who can provide constructive criticism. Focus on refining your message and ensuring each section contributes to a cohesive narrative that demonstrates your qualifications for the scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements that lack evidence. Instead of saying you are passionate, show it through specific examples.
• Steer clear of excessive jargon or complex language that may confuse the reader.
• Do not rely on generic statements about education; personalize your essay to reflect your unique journey and aspirations.