How to Craft Your Essay for the Mountainside Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To develop a compelling essay, gather material from the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your life before attending the treatment center. Consider significant events, challenges, or influences that shaped who you are today.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments during your time at the center. Think about skills you developed, responsibilities you took on, and any measurable outcomes that demonstrate your growth.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you feel you still need to learn or achieve. Explain how this scholarship fits into your educational journey and helps bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. Share anecdotes that highlight your resilience, determination, or other traits that will resonate with the scholarship committee.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to organize your thoughts. A suggested structure could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or scene that encapsulates your journey.
2. Background: Briefly describe your life before the treatment center.
3. Achievements: Discuss your accomplishments and growth during your time at the center.
4. The Gap: Explain your educational goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express gratitude for the opportunity to apply.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and specific language to engage the reader. Avoid clichés and generalizations; instead, focus on concrete examples that illustrate your points. Each paragraph should convey one main idea, progressing logically to build a cohesive narrative. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section to emphasize the importance of your experiences and aspirations.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Read your essay critically, looking for clarity, coherence, and impact. Ensure that each section answers the “So what?” question, reflecting on how your experiences have shaped you and why they matter. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors to gain additional perspectives.

Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, be mindful of common pitfalls:

• Avoid vague statements and empty passion; ensure your enthusiasm is backed by specific examples.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your role in your achievements.
• Do not include invented facts or exaggerate your experiences; authenticity is key.