How to Write Your Essay for the Monroe Preston Lee Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Consider your personal history, including family, community, and educational experiences that have shaped who you are today. What challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your aspirations?
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and dedication. Use metrics where possible—such as grades, leadership roles, or community service hours—to quantify your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experiences that this scholarship could help bridge. Be honest about your needs and articulate how receiving this scholarship will enable you to overcome these gaps.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes and reflections that reveal your values and motivations. What drives you? What unique perspectives do you bring?

Creating an Outline

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

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that draws the reader in.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate one paragraph to each of the four buckets, ensuring you connect your background, achievements, gaps, and personality to the scholarship's objectives.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will impact your future and reiterate your commitment to using the opportunity for meaningful contributions.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and be specific in your descriptions. Avoid vague statements about your passion; instead, illustrate your commitment with concrete examples. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea and transition smoothly to the next, keeping the reader engaged.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back to assess your work. Ask yourself: What have I learned through my experiences? Why does this matter? Ensure that every section of your essay answers the “So what?” question, demonstrating the significance of your journey and aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always identify the actor in your sentences.
• Do not fabricate details about your experiences or achievements; authenticity is key.