How to Craft Your Essay for the Phillip M. Wasylean II Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To develop a comprehensive essay, consider the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including experiences that have shaped your values and ambitions. Consider family influences, community involvement, or challenges you've overcome.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments, both academically and personally. Quantify your success where possible—mention specific projects, leadership roles, or initiatives you’ve led that demonstrate your capabilities.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship would help address. Clearly articulate how Worcester State University fits into your academic and career aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character and values. This could include moments of insight or lessons learned that have driven your commitment to your field of study.

Outline Your Essay

Creating a structured outline will help you organize your thoughts effectively. Consider the following format:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or story that captures your reader’s attention. This should set the tone for your essay.
2. Background Section: Share your personal history and how it has shaped your aspirations.
3. Achievements Section: Detail your key accomplishments and what they demonstrate about your potential.
4. Gap Section: Discuss what you hope to gain from the scholarship and how it aligns with your future goals.
5. Personality Section: Include personal anecdotes that illustrate your values and character.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on how receiving this scholarship will impact your educational journey and future contributions to your community.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and ensure clarity in your writing. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are “passionate” about your field, illustrate this with specific examples that demonstrate your commitment and engagement. Use transitions to guide the reader through your narrative logically.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take time to revise. Ask yourself: What insights did I gain through my experiences? Why do they matter? Ensure that each paragraph answers the “So what?” question, connecting your experiences to your future goals. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives on your narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of overly complex language or jargon that might obscure your message.
• Ensure that every section of your essay contributes to a cohesive narrative and reinforces your candidacy for the scholarship.