How to Craft Your Essay for the Tom Sifers Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across the following four categories:

• Background: Reflect on your personal journey. Consider experiences that have shaped your values and aspirations, particularly those related to education and community involvement.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on those that demonstrate leadership, initiative, or impact. Include specific metrics or outcomes where possible, such as projects completed, roles held, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek to grow through further education. Articulate why this scholarship is crucial for your academic and professional development.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes or values that highlight who you are. This could include challenges you've overcome or moments that have defined your character.

Outline Your Essay

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

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that captures your journey or aspirations.
2. Background: Provide context about your upbringing and experiences that led you to pursue your education.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments that demonstrate your readiness for further study.
4. The Gap: Discuss what you hope to achieve through this scholarship and how it will help you bridge the gap in your education.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey, reiterating your commitment to making a positive impact in your community and how the scholarship will help you achieve that.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice throughout your essay. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on specific examples and reflections. Each paragraph should convey a single idea, leading the reader logically to the next point. Ensure that your writing is clear and engaging, maintaining a balance between professionalism and personal touch.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay with fresh eyes. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does your essay convey your journey, achievements, and aspirations effectively? Seek feedback from peers or mentors and be open to constructive criticism. Revise for clarity, coherence, and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Clichés: Avoid overused phrases and generic statements that do not add value to your essay.
• Lack of Specificity: Ensure that your examples are detailed and quantifiable. Vague claims can weaken your argument.
• Passive Voice: Use active voice to enhance engagement and clarity.
• Invention of Facts: Stick to your true experiences and achievements; do not embellish or fabricate details.