How to Write Your Essay for the Monty C. Meigs Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your perspective. Consider how these elements have influenced your academic and career aspirations.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and dedication. Use metrics or tangible outcomes to illustrate your impact, whether in academics, extracurricular activities, or community service.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any challenges or gaps in your experience that the scholarship could help address. Explain why further education is essential for you to achieve your goals and how this scholarship will facilitate that journey.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that highlight your values, interests, and unique qualities. This will help the committee connect with you on a human level.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and flow. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Open with a compelling anecdote or moment that encapsulates your journey.
2. Background: Discuss formative experiences and how they shaped your goals.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Address challenges you face and articulate your need for this scholarship.
5. Personality: Share insights into your character and values.
6. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to your education and future impact, tying back to your introduction.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and be specific. Avoid vague statements; instead, provide concrete examples that illustrate your points. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your narrative. Remember to reflect on your experiences and answer the “So what?” question to demonstrate their significance.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Look for opportunities to enhance clarity and impact. Ensure that each section contributes to a cohesive narrative. Ask yourself what insights you gained from your experiences and how they prepare you for future challenges. This reflection will strengthen your essay.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not rely on passive voice; always attribute actions to yourself or others.
• Steer clear of heavy bureaucratic language; keep your writing clear and engaging.
• Ensure all facts and figures are accurate and relevant to your experiences.