Crafting Your Essay for the Merritt Brook Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your personal journey. What experiences have shaped your educational and career goals? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant challenges you have faced.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Include academic honors, leadership roles, volunteer work, or projects that demonstrate your skills and commitment to your community.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your educational or professional journey and how this scholarship will help you bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and how further study will facilitate your aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with elements that showcase who you are. Share anecdotes that reflect your values, interests, and the unique perspective you bring to your field.

Outline Your Essay

Creating a structured outline will help you organize your thoughts logically. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene or presents a compelling moment from your life. Follow with body paragraphs that correspond to your four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Conclude by tying your experiences and aspirations back to the scholarship's mission, emphasizing how you plan to make a positive impact in your community.

Drafting Voice and Tone

Write in an active voice, using specific language to convey your experiences and aspirations. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about a subject, illustrate this passion with tangible examples. Reflect on what you have learned from your experiences and how they have prepared you for future challenges. Each section should answer the “So what?” question, demonstrating the significance of your journey.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. This will give you a fresh perspective on your writing. Focus on clarity and coherence, ensuring that each paragraph flows logically to the next. Check that your essay answers the prompt fully and reflects your unique voice. Seek feedback from mentors or peers who can provide constructive criticism. Ensure that your final draft highlights your strengths and aligns with the scholarship's goals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid clichés and filler phrases that do not add value to your essay. Steer clear of passive voice and overly bureaucratic language. Ensure all statements are backed by personal experiences or achievements, and do not invent facts or embellish your story. Lastly, make sure to proofread for grammatical errors and clarity, as these can detract from your overall message.