How to Write Your Essay for the Adult Back to School Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets to structure your essay effectively:

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have led you to this point. Consider challenges you have faced, decisions you have made, and influences that have shaped your educational journey.
• Achievements: Highlight your accomplishments, both academically and professionally. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as projects completed, skills acquired, or leadership roles held.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of education or skills and explain why further study is essential for your personal and professional growth. Be honest about your aspirations and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. Use anecdotes that showcase your character and commitment to your goals.

Outline Your Essay

Creating an outline will help you organize your thoughts logically. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or story that draws the reader in. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each section flows logically to the next, maintaining a clear narrative.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your future aspirations. Emphasize how the scholarship will play a pivotal role in achieving those goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid clichés and vague expressions. Instead of saying you are passionate about education, illustrate this with a specific example that demonstrates your commitment. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea and transition smoothly to the next.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and revise your essay. Ask yourself: What insights have I gained from my experiences? How have they shaped my goals? Ensure that each section answers the question, “So what?” to highlight the significance of your journey and aspirations.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls:

• Avoid generic openers and filler content. Start with a specific moment that captivates.
• Steer clear of empty superlatives and vague expressions of passion. Provide concrete evidence of your commitment.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists. This will make your writing stronger and more engaging.
• Refrain from including fabricated details about your experiences or achievements.