How to Craft Your Essay for the Robin L. Kaplan Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, consider the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal journey. What experiences have shaped your educational path? Consider family, community, and any challenges you've faced.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use metrics where possible—such as GPA, leadership roles, or projects you’ve completed—to showcase your contributions.
• The Gap: Discuss what you currently lack in your educational experience and how this scholarship will bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and how further study at Worcester State University will help you achieve them.
• Personality: Humanize your essay with personal anecdotes that reflect your values and character. This could include your interests, volunteer work, or unique perspectives.

Outline Your Essay

Creating an outline can help you organize your thoughts. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in. Follow with sections that correspond to the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Conclude with a reflection on how the scholarship will impact your future.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are “passionate” about a subject, illustrate this with concrete examples that demonstrate your commitment and impact. Each paragraph should convey one main idea, with smooth transitions to guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can deepen your reflection. For each major point, ask yourself, “So what?” This will help you clarify why your experiences matter and how they relate to your future goals. Ensure your essay answers the prompt directly and stays focused on your journey.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés. Instead, begin with a specific moment or insight that captures your journey.
• Do not use passive voice where an active subject exists—this weakens your narrative.
• Steer clear of empty superlatives. Instead of saying you are the best, show your impact through specific achievements.
• Do not fabricate details about your experiences or accomplishments; authenticity is critical.