How to Write an Essay for the DuBose Family Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, educational journey, and any pivotal moments that have shaped your perspective. What experiences have influenced your commitment to education?
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments, whether academic, extracurricular, or community service. Quantify these achievements where possible—such as leadership roles, awards, or projects that had a measurable impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or skills. Articulate why receiving this scholarship is crucial for your academic and professional growth. How will it help bridge that gap?
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character and values. Consider moments that showcase resilience, creativity, or empathy.

Creating an Outline

Your outline should follow a logical structure that flows seamlessly from one section to the next. A suggested format could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling scene or moment that encapsulates your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they relate to your educational goals.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Describe the challenges you face and the importance of the scholarship.
5. Personality: Share personal stories that illustrate your values and dedication.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your aspirations and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid clichés and generalities; instead, focus on unique details that convey your individuality. Each paragraph should center around one main idea, progressing logically to the next.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and review your work critically. Ask yourself: What changed in me through these experiences? Why does it matter to the scholarship committee? Ensure that every section answers the “So what?” question, emphasizing your growth and future impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Starting with vague statements or clichés.
• Using passive voice or abstract language without clear actors.
• Failing to provide specific examples or metrics to support your claims.
• Neglecting to reflect on your experiences and their significance.