How to Write Your Essay for the AB Medlen Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, consider the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on experiences that have shaped your academic and personal journey. Think about pivotal moments or challenges that have influenced your path.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic, extracurricular, or community service activities. Use specific metrics or outcomes to highlight your contributions.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in your education or skills and how the scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your future goals and how this scholarship will facilitate them.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes or values that define who you are. This will help the committee connect with you on a human level.

Creating an Outline

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

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they led you to pursue higher education.
3. Achievements: Highlight significant accomplishments and their impact on your growth.
4. The Gap: Explain your educational aspirations and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
5. Personality: Share personal insights or values that illustrate your character.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express gratitude for the opportunity.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice to convey your experiences and insights. Avoid clichés and general statements; instead, focus on specific details that illustrate your points. Each paragraph should center around a single idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and Reflection

After drafting, revisit your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself: What changed in me through these experiences? Why does it matter? Ensure that each section answers the “So what?” question, demonstrating the significance of your journey and aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Stay clear of vague statements and empty superlatives. Avoid passive voice where possible, and ensure you do not fabricate any details about your experiences or achievements. Clichés can dilute your message, so strive for originality and authenticity in your writing.