How to Craft Your Essay for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, community, and any challenges you faced related to your identity. Consider moments that have defined your perspective.
• Achievements: List your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Focus on specific metrics or outcomes that demonstrate your commitment and leadership.
• The Gap: Identify what you believe you lack in your current education or experience. Explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap and enable you to achieve your goals.
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Include personal anecdotes or values that illustrate your character and resilience.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay with a clear outline. Aim for a logical flow that connects your background, achievements, the gap, and personality. Each section should build on the previous one, leading to a compelling conclusion. Consider using the STAR method to highlight specific experiences that showcase your strengths and growth.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, use an active voice to convey your experiences directly. Open with a specific moment or anecdote that draws the reader in, rather than starting with a thesis statement. Reflect on what you learned from each experience and why it matters. This reflection will help answer the “So what?” question throughout your essay.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, revise your essay with a focus on clarity and impact. Ensure that each paragraph has a clear purpose and contributes to your overall narrative. Ask yourself if each section answers the “So what?” question. This will help you refine your essay to highlight your motivations and aspirations effectively.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of clichés and vague statements. Avoid phrases like “From a young age” or “I have always been passionate about” without concrete examples. Ensure that your essay does not include invented facts or experiences. Authenticity is key; the committee wants to hear your genuine voice and story.