How to Craft Your Essay for the Paul Wack Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, explore the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, experiences, and the challenges you've faced. How have these experiences influenced your desire to pursue a career in planning?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and commitment. Use metrics or specific outcomes to illustrate your contributions, such as projects, leadership roles, or community involvement.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your experience or knowledge and explain how this scholarship will help you bridge those gaps. What specific skills or knowledge do you seek to gain?
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. What drives you? What unique perspectives do you bring to the field of planning?

Outline Your Essay

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and flow. A suggested outline includes:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or story that illustrates your resilience. Avoid clichés and focus on a specific scene.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use transitions to guide the reader through your narrative.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for future challenges in planning and how the scholarship will support your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, maintain an active voice and use specific details to enhance your narrative. Avoid vague statements and focus on concrete examples. Each paragraph should convey a single idea, with logical progression to the next.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, revisit your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself: What changed in me through these experiences? Why does this matter to the committee? Ensure that your reflections are clear and impactful, demonstrating growth and commitment.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements. Start with a unique moment that captures attention.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active constructions to convey your agency.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements. Authenticity is crucial in your narrative.
• Ensure that every section serves a purpose and contributes to your overall message.