How to Write an Essay for the Matthew Tennyson Wanke Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets

To create a strong essay, gather material across these four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, influences, and experiences that have shaped your educational path. Consider moments that sparked your interest in your field of study.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Use metrics where possible, such as GPA, awards, or leadership roles, to quantify your impact.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in terms of skills, knowledge, or resources. Explain why further study is essential for your growth and how the scholarship will bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. Use anecdotes that showcase your character and make you relatable.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent structure. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your journey. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Discuss your influences and experiences that led you to your current educational path.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, focusing on specific outcomes and responsibilities.
4. The Gap: Clearly articulate your educational goals and the importance of the scholarship in achieving them.
5. Personality: Share personal anecdotes that illustrate your values and character.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on how this scholarship will enable you to make a positive impact in your community or field.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, aim for an active voice that engages the reader. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, transitioning smoothly to the next to maintain logical flow. Be specific in your claims, supporting them with evidence from your experiences.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise. Ask yourself, “So what?” at the end of each section. Ensure that every paragraph contributes to your overall narrative and highlights your journey toward your educational goals. Look for places to enhance clarity, remove redundancy, and strengthen your argument.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid cliché openers and vague statements about passion. Start with a specific moment that illustrates your journey.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active constructions to convey your agency.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate achievements. Honesty and authenticity resonate more than inflated claims.
• Ensure that your essay has a clear structure, with each paragraph serving a distinct purpose.