How to Write Your Essay for the Ivancovich Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Consider experiences that have shaped your academic and personal journey. Think about your family, community, and any challenges you've faced.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, including academic honors, leadership roles, or community service. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek further growth. What skills or knowledge do you need to advance your education and career? Explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This could include moments of resilience, empathy, or commitment to your community.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene or presents a specific moment relevant to your journey. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one main idea. Conclude with a strong closing that reflects on your future aspirations and the impact of receiving the scholarship.

Drafting Voice and Style

Your writing should be active and engaging. Open with a vivid scene or a compelling moment from your life that relates to your educational goals. Avoid clichés and general statements; instead, focus on specific details that illustrate your experiences and insights. Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical flow throughout your essay.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting your essay, take time to revise. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What does this experience reveal about you? How does it connect to your future goals? Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors, and be open to constructive criticism. This process will help sharpen your message and enhance clarity.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of several common pitfalls:

• Avoid vague statements about your passion or goals without backing them up with specific examples.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active verbs to convey your actions and achievements.
• Do not include invented facts or experiences—stay true to your personal narrative.
• Refrain from overused phrases and clichés that may dilute the originality of your essay.