Saltmarsh Cleveland Gund Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, experiences, and influences that have shaped who you are today. Consider significant moments that led you to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: Document your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Use specific metrics, such as GPA, leadership roles, or community service hours, to demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth or knowledge that further study will fulfill. Explain why this scholarship is essential for your educational journey.
• Personality: Incorporate humanizing details that showcase your values, interests, and unique qualities. This will help the committee connect with you as an individual.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a structured outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in. Each subsequent section should focus on one of the four buckets, ensuring a logical flow. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to your goals and the impact of the scholarship on your future.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and be specific in your language. Open with an engaging in-scene moment or a concrete experience rather than a thesis statement. As you write, reflect on how each experience shaped you and answer the question, “So what?” to emphasize the significance of your journey.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay critically, focusing on clarity, coherence, and engagement. Ensure that each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative. Ask yourself if you’ve effectively conveyed why you deserve this scholarship and how it aligns with your goals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your essay. Steer clear of vague expressions of passion without concrete examples. Additionally, ensure that all facts and figures are accurate and verifiable. Lastly, be mindful of overly bureaucratic language; keep your writing personal and relatable.