Wendy Cohen Bailey Hall Endowed Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including experiences that have shaped your values and goals. Consider family influences, educational journeys, and community involvement.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, emphasizing metrics and outcomes. Think about leadership roles, academic successes, or community service that demonstrate your commitment and impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or skills that this scholarship will help you address. Be specific about your goals and how further study will enable you to bridge this gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details. Share anecdotes that reveal your character, values, and motivations. This is your chance to connect with the committee on a personal level.

Creating an Outline

Draft an outline that organizes your ideas logically. Each section should build on the previous one, guiding the reader through your narrative:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they shaped your aspirations.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain what you aim to achieve through further education.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your commitment to making an impact and how the scholarship will facilitate that journey.

Drafting Your Essay

As you write, focus on clarity and specificity. Use active voice and concrete details to engage the reader. Avoid generic statements; instead, show your passion through specific examples. Each paragraph should convey one main idea, ensuring logical flow and coherence throughout your essay.

Revision and Reflection

After drafting, take a break before revising. Review your essay with fresh eyes, focusing on clarity and impact. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section—what does this reveal about you? Ensure that every detail serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid clichés and vague language. Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic phrasing. Ensure that your essay is authentic and reflective of your unique experiences. Lastly, do not invent facts or embellish your achievements; honesty is crucial.