How to Write Your Essay for the Michael Todd Gavitt Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To effectively gather material for your essay, explore the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, educational experiences, and any significant moments that have influenced your path. Consider how these experiences have shaped your values and goals.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments, whether academic, extracurricular, or community-oriented. Use specific metrics or examples, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or awards received, to illustrate your contributions and impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your current knowledge or experience that this scholarship will help you address. Clearly articulate why further study is essential for your personal and professional development.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your character and values. This could include challenges you've faced, lessons learned, or moments of insight that have driven your commitment to your community.

Structuring Your Essay

When outlining your essay, focus on a clear structure that guides the reader through your narrative. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene or presents a moment of significance. Follow with body paragraphs that explore each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear main idea. Conclude with a strong closing that reinforces your commitment to your goals and the community.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, use an active voice to convey your experiences and insights. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on specific details and reflections that illustrate your journey. Aim for clarity and coherence, ensuring each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next. Reflect on the significance of your experiences—answer the “So what?” question throughout your essay.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take time to revise. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity, specificity, and emotional resonance. Ask yourself what insights you want the committee to take away from your essay. Ensure that each section contributes to a coherent narrative that showcases your journey and aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When writing your scholarship essay, be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements. Instead, open with a compelling moment or reflection.
• Steer clear of vague expressions of passion without evidence. Back up your claims with specific examples.
• Refrain from using passive voice when an active subject exists. This strengthens your narrative and makes it more engaging.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences. Authenticity is crucial in making a genuine connection with the committee.