How to Craft Your Essay for the Schullstrom Family Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Consider what experiences have shaped your educational journey. Reflect on your family, community, and any challenges you have faced.
• Achievements: List your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Use specific metrics or outcomes where possible, such as GPA, awards, or leadership roles.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education and why this scholarship is essential for your growth. Be clear about your goals and how this funding will help you achieve them.
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Include personal anecdotes or values that showcase your character and commitment to your field of study.

Creating an Outline

Your outline should provide a clear structure for your essay. Consider the following format:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or story that illustrates your journey. This sets the stage for your narrative.
2. Background: Briefly describe your upbringing and key experiences that influenced your educational path.
3. Achievements: Highlight your accomplishments, focusing on those most relevant to your future studies.
4. The Gap: Discuss what you hope to achieve with the scholarship and how it will bridge the gap in your education.
5. Personality: Share a personal story or value that reflects who you are and your commitment to making an impact.
6. Conclusion: Reinforce your main points and express gratitude for the opportunity to apply.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid vague statements and instead focus on concrete examples that demonstrate your points. Each paragraph should present one idea and transition smoothly into the next, ensuring a logical flow throughout your essay.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take time to revise your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major section. Ensure that your reflections on experiences and achievements clearly articulate their significance. This reflection will help demonstrate your growth and future potential to the committee.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can detract from your essay:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists; this can make your writing less engaging.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are honest and verifiable; do not embellish your achievements.
• Stay focused on the scholarship’s intent and how your goals align with it.