How to Write Your Essay for the Pay It Forward Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your journey as a student veteran. What experiences have influenced your educational path? Consider challenges you faced and how they have shaped you.
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments. Include specific metrics, responsibilities, and outcomes. Highlight leadership roles or initiatives you have undertaken.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or skills and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic and professional goals.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, motivations, and character. This is your opportunity to humanize your application.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your thoughts, create a structured outline for your essay. Start with a compelling hook that draws the reader in. Each section of your outline should lead logically to the next, ensuring a smooth flow of ideas. Aim for clarity and coherence throughout.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on specificity. Use concrete examples and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should center around a single idea, and transitions should highlight the logical progression of your thoughts. Reflect on your experiences and articulate what you learned and how it matters.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back. Review your essay with fresh eyes. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Ensure that your reflections connect your experiences to the scholarship’s goals. Revise for clarity, conciseness, and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of clichés and avoid starting with generic statements. Steer clear of empty superlatives and vague expressions of passion. Ensure that your essay reflects your unique voice and experiences without fabricating details. Proofread for grammar and spelling errors, as these can detract from the professionalism of your submission.