How to Write an Essay for the Oregon State Credit Union Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material from four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped who you are today. Consider your family, community, or significant events that influenced your educational path.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify your achievements when possible—mention specific projects, leadership roles, or community service that demonstrate your commitment and capability.
• The Gap: Identify what you lack in your current education and how this scholarship will bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and how attending Clackamas Community College will help you achieve them.
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Include personal anecdotes or values that illustrate your character and commitment to your community.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and logical flow. A suggested outline could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey or aspirations.
2. Background: Discuss your background and how it has influenced your educational goals.
3. Achievements: Highlight key achievements that showcase your skills and determination.
4. The Gap: Explain your educational needs and how this scholarship will help you fulfill them.
5. Personality: Share personal insights that reflect your values and commitment to making an impact.
6. Conclusion: Reiterate your aspirations and express gratitude for the opportunity.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, focus on using an active voice and specific language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying, 'I have always been passionate about education,' provide a concrete example of a time when your passion drove you to achieve something significant. Aim for clarity and authenticity in every paragraph.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every paragraph contributes to your overall narrative and clearly demonstrates your qualifications for the scholarship. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or broad statements that do not engage the reader.
• Do not include invented facts or irrelevant information that does not support your narrative.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always attribute actions to specific subjects.
• Ensure that your essay is well-organized and adheres to any word limits specified by the scholarship guidelines.