How to Craft Your Essay for the Philippe Forton Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material across four essential buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your past experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, significant life events, or challenges you have overcome.
• Achievements: List your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Quantify your achievements when possible—include grades, awards, leadership roles, or projects that demonstrate your commitment and impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack that this scholarship could help you address. This could be financial resources, access to specific educational opportunities, or skills necessary for your future goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. Share anecdotes that highlight your resilience, motivation, or unique perspective.

Outlining Your Essay

Structure your essay logically. A suggested outline includes:

1. Introduction: Open with a concrete moment or story that encapsulates your journey or aspirations.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets, weaving in reflection and insights. Use the STAR method to illustrate achievements and challenges.
3. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to your educational goals and how the scholarship will facilitate your journey. End with a forward-looking statement that emphasizes your potential impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are “passionate,” demonstrate it through specific examples and outcomes. Each paragraph should focus on one idea, ensuring clarity and coherence.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and reflect on the “So what?” of your essay. What insights or growth have you experienced? How do your experiences shape your future goals? Revise to ensure that each section answers this question, enhancing the overall narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not fabricate details or achievements; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of overly complex language that obscures your message.
• Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to maintain logical flow.