How to Craft Your Essay for the Oscar & Clara Schurman Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider challenges you have faced and how they have influenced your goals.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments in academics, leadership, or community service. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or skills that this scholarship will help you address. Explain why further study at Northeast Community College is essential for your growth.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This helps the committee see you as a well-rounded individual.

Outline Your Essay

Once you have gathered material, create an outline that flows logically. Each section of your essay should correspond to one of the four buckets. Start with a compelling introduction that draws the reader in, followed by body paragraphs that explore each bucket, and conclude with a strong statement about your future aspirations.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and specific language. Instead of stating your passion for a subject, illustrate it through concrete examples. Open with an engaging scene or moment that captures the reader's attention. Ensure each paragraph has a clear focus, and transitions smoothly to the next idea.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights have you gained, and why do they matter? Make sure your essay answers this question clearly. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message and ensure clarity.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls. Avoid clichés and vague statements that do not provide evidence of your claims. Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language that can obscure your message. Lastly, ensure all details are truthful and verifiable; do not fabricate experiences or achievements.