How to Craft Your Essay for the PTS Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. Consider experiences that have shaped your educational journey, such as family influences, community involvement, or significant life events.
• Achievements: Identify your accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities. Include metrics, responsibilities, and outcomes—like projects completed, leadership roles held, or skills acquired.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in your educational journey and how the PTS Scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about the resources or opportunities you need to advance.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reflect your values, interests, and unique qualities. This will help the committee connect with you on a human level.

Outline Your Essay

Organize your thoughts into a clear structure. A suggested outline might look like this:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or anecdote that illustrates your journey. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Describe your personal history and how it has influenced your educational path.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments relevant to your application.
4. The Gap: Discuss what you need to succeed and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on the significance of receiving the scholarship and your commitment to making an impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and be specific. Use strong verbs and concrete details to convey your experiences and aspirations. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, ensuring clarity and logical progression. Remember to answer the “So what?” question; reflect on how each experience has shaped you and why it matters.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure that each section contributes to a coherent narrative and reflects your journey. Ask yourself how your experiences will resonate with the committee and what insights you want them to take away.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists.
• Ensure all details are truthful and verifiable; do not invent facts or experiences.
• Stay focused on your unique narrative; do not compare yourself to others or exaggerate your achievements.