Second Year President S Book Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across these four areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your values and aspirations. Consider pivotal moments that influenced your decision to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify your achievements where possible—include specific metrics, leadership roles, or projects that demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Think about what you currently lack in your education or experience. Explain how the scholarship will bridge this gap and enable you to pursue your goals more effectively.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character, values, and motivations. This humanizing detail will help the committee connect with you beyond your qualifications.

Outline Your Essay

Structuring your essay is crucial for clarity and coherence. Consider the following outline:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or experience that captures your journey. This should hook the reader and set the stage for your narrative.
2. Background: Provide context about your life and experiences that led you to your current educational path.
3. Achievements: Highlight significant accomplishments, using the STAR method to illustrate your contributions and their impact.
4. The Gap: Discuss your current challenges and how the scholarship will facilitate your growth and learning.
5. Personality: Share personal stories that reflect your values and aspirations, emphasizing why you are a deserving candidate.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on how this scholarship will empower you to make a difference in your community and beyond.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and a conversational yet professional tone. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Instead, focus on clarity and specificity. Every paragraph should convey a single idea and contribute to the overall narrative. Use transitions to guide the reader through your thoughts.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each section. Ensure that your reflections answer this question and highlight the significance of your experiences and aspirations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements that do not provide insight into your character or experiences.
• Do not rely on passive voice; ensure your writing is dynamic and engaging.
• Steer clear of bureaucratic language; focus on personal storytelling.
• Never invent facts or embellish your experiences; authenticity is key.