How to Craft Your Essay for the W.B. Rushing Scholarship in Math

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your experiences that have shaped your interest in mathematics. Think about specific moments, challenges, or inspirations that led you to pursue this field.
• Achievements: List your academic and extracurricular accomplishments related to mathematics. Include metrics, such as grades, projects, or leadership roles that demonstrate your capabilities.
• The Gap: Identify what you still need to achieve your goals in mathematics. Articulate why further study at Texas Tech is essential for your development and future impact.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values and character. Consider how your unique perspective will contribute to the Texas Tech community.

Creating an Outline

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

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or experience that illustrates your passion for mathematics.
2. Background: Discuss your journey in mathematics, highlighting key influences.
3. Achievements: Detail your relevant accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain what you hope to gain from the scholarship and your studies at Texas Tech.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on how this scholarship will enable you to make a difference in the field of mathematics.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice to convey your experiences and insights. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your journey and aspirations. Each paragraph should center around one main idea, leading the reader through your narrative logically.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and ask yourself: “So what?” This question should guide your revisions. Ensure that each section not only presents information but also reflects on its significance. What did you learn? How did you grow? Make sure your essay resonates with the committee by emphasizing your commitment to mathematics and your future contributions.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not exaggerate achievements; be honest and specific.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions.
• Ensure that your essay maintains a cohesive narrative without unrelated tangents.