How to Craft Your Essay for the Osher Reentry Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider challenges you've faced and how they have influenced your decision to pursue further education.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, particularly those related to your academic or professional life. Use metrics, such as grades, awards, or projects, to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or skills and explain how the Osher Reentry Scholarship will help bridge this gap. Be specific about your goals and how this scholarship aligns with them.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This helps the committee see you as a unique individual rather than just a list of achievements.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. Each section of your essay should correspond to one of the four buckets. Begin with a compelling introduction that hooks the reader, followed by body paragraphs that delve into each area, and conclude with a strong closing that reinforces your commitment to your educational goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice. Use concrete language and specific examples to illustrate your points. Avoid generic statements and clichés; instead, focus on unique experiences that highlight your journey. Open with an engaging scene or moment that draws the reader in, and ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and revise your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights or reflections have you gained? How do these experiences shape your future? Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also connects to your aspirations and the scholarship’s objectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes, such as:

• Using clichés or vague language that lacks specificity.
• Failing to connect personal experiences to your educational goals.
• Neglecting to proofread for grammar and clarity.
• Overloading your essay with unnecessary details that detract from your main message.