How to Craft Your Essay for the Medtronic Foundation Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your perspective. What challenges have you faced and how have they influenced your academic journey?
• Achievements: List your notable accomplishments, including academic, professional, or community-related successes. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you hope to achieve through further study. What skills or knowledge do you currently lack, and how will this scholarship help bridge that gap?
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values and motivations. What drives you? What are your passions outside of academics?

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to organize your thoughts. Aim for a clear structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or story that illustrates your journey. Avoid generic openings.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to a specific idea, using the four buckets to guide your content. Ensure each section reflects on your growth and the significance of your experiences.
3. Conclusion: Reiterate your commitment to making an impact and how the scholarship plays a role in your future.

Drafting Voice and Tone

As you draft, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Use specific examples and avoid vague statements. Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, reinforcing the essay's overall narrative. Reflect on the significance of your experiences and answer the “So what?” question in each section.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and specificity. Ask yourself if each paragraph contributes to the overall narrative and whether it answers the “So what?” question. Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors to gain new perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your essay.
• Steer clear of passive voice; focus on your actions and achievements.
• Do not fabricate experiences or embellish facts; authenticity is key.
• Ensure your essay is free from grammatical errors and flows logically.