Crafting Your Essay for the Reach Higher Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, consider the four material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, or challenges you've faced.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, whether academic, extracurricular, or professional. Quantify your achievements where possible—use metrics, timeframes, and specific outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you lack in your current education and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and how further study is essential for your development.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This helps the committee see you as a person, not just an applicant.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered material from the four buckets, create an outline. A strong essay typically includes:

1. Introduction: Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in. Avoid clichés; instead, consider a specific moment or anecdote that reflects your journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one idea. Use the STAR method to structure your achievements and experiences: describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your experiences have shaped your aspirations and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals. Answer the “So what?” question to emphasize the significance of your journey.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and be specific. Avoid vague statements and superlatives. Instead of saying you are passionate, show your passion through examples and experiences. Ensure that your language is clear and precise, reflecting your commitment to your goals.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Look for clarity, coherence, and flow. Ask yourself if each section answers the “So what?” question, demonstrating the impact of your experiences and the importance of the scholarship in your educational journey. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, be mindful of common pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences—authenticity is crucial.
• Ensure your essay is well-structured, with clear transitions between paragraphs.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active constructions to convey your actions and achievements.