How to Craft Your Essay for the TA Wilkinson Endowed Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material for your essay by reflecting on four key areas:

• Background: Consider your personal history, including experiences that shaped your educational journey. What challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your goals?
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities. Use metrics or examples to illustrate your impact, such as projects completed, leadership roles held, or community service undertaken.
• The Gap: Identify any gaps in your education or experience that this scholarship could help you address. Why is further study necessary for your personal and professional growth?
• Personality: Share details that humanize you. What values guide you? What unique perspectives do you bring to your studies and community?

Structuring Your Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Each section of your essay should focus on one idea and flow logically into the next. Consider starting with a compelling anecdote or moment that illustrates your journey, followed by sections dedicated to your background, achievements, the gap, and your personality.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and be specific in your descriptions. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about a subject, provide concrete examples that demonstrate your engagement and commitment. Ensure each paragraph reflects on what you learned and why it matters—answer the “So what?” question.

Revision and Reflection

After drafting, take a break before revising to gain fresh perspective. Look for clarity and coherence in your writing. Each section should contribute to a unified narrative about your journey and aspirations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of several common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or general statements.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is key.
• Ensure your essay stays focused on the prompt and does not veer off into unrelated topics.