How to Write a Compelling Essay for the AVS Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including experiences that have shaped your interest in materials science. Consider family influences, educational experiences, or pivotal moments that sparked your passion.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments in your academic or extracurricular life. Quantify your successes where possible, such as projects completed, leadership roles held, or awards received.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in your education or experience and how the AVS scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about how further study will enable you to contribute to the field.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character. Share values and insights that make you unique and demonstrate your commitment to your field.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to organize your thoughts. A typical structure might look like this:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that draws the reader in. Avoid generic statements and focus on a specific experience.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure that each paragraph has a clear main idea and supports your overall narrative.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for future challenges and how the scholarship will impact your journey.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice to convey your experiences. Be specific and use concrete details to illustrate your points. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about materials science, show how that passion has manifested in your life through specific actions and decisions.

Revision and the 'So What?' Factor

After completing your draft, take time to revise. Ask yourself: what have I learned from my experiences, and why does it matter? Ensure that each section of your essay answers the 'So what?' question. This reflection will help clarify your motivations and aspirations, making your essay more impactful.

Pitfalls to Avoid

As you write and revise, be mindful of common pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with clichés or overly broad statements.
• Do not use passive voice when you can be more direct.
• Steer clear of vague descriptions of your passions; instead, provide specific examples.
• Ensure all information is accurate and relevant; do not invent facts or experiences.