How to Craft Your Essay for the STLE Jeanie S. McCoy Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets:

• Background: Identify key experiences that have shaped your academic and personal journey. Consider family influences, formative experiences, or challenges that have motivated you.
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Include leadership roles, projects, or initiatives that showcase your impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education and how further study will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic and career aspirations.
• Personality: Highlight unique aspects of your character, values, and interests. Use anecdotes that reveal your motivations and humanize your application.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay with a clear outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in. Follow with sections that cover each of the four material buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus and logical flow. Conclude with a strong closing that emphasizes your commitment to making an impact in your field.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, focusing on your personal experiences and insights. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, use specific examples and details that illustrate your points. Open with a compelling scene or moment that encapsulates your journey or aspirations, and ensure each section answers the “So what?” question, reflecting on the significance of your experiences.

Revision and “So What?” Reflection

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay from the perspective of the committee. Does it clearly convey your motivations and aspirations? Ensure each paragraph contributes to your overall narrative. Ask yourself what insights you gained from your experiences and how they have prepared you for future challenges.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid generic statements and superlatives without evidence. Do not rely on passive constructions; instead, take ownership of your achievements. Steer clear of heavy jargon or bureaucratic language that obscures your message. Lastly, ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable—never invent experiences or achievements.