How to Craft Your Essay for the AITP Omaha Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To effectively structure your essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your journey. What experiences have shaped your interest in information technology? Consider family influences, educational experiences, or personal projects that sparked your passion.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that highlight your skills and dedication. Use metrics where possible—such as projects completed, leadership roles held, or awards received—to provide concrete evidence of your capabilities.
• The Gap: Recognize what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship could help address. Articulate how further study will bridge this gap and enhance your contributions to the field.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reflect your values and interests. This could include volunteer work, hobbies, or moments that demonstrate resilience and commitment.

Creating a Structured Outline

With your material organized, outline your essay to ensure a logical flow. A suggested structure could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or anecdote that draws the reader in.
2. Background: Discuss your journey and formative experiences.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments with specific examples.
4. The Gap: Explain your educational needs and how the scholarship will help.
5. Personality: Share insights into your character and values.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on how this scholarship aligns with your future goals and your commitment to the field.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice. Clearly articulate your experiences and aspirations without resorting to clichés. Avoid phrases like “I have always been passionate about” and instead show your passion through specific examples. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, ensuring clarity and coherence throughout.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and revise your work. Ensure that each section answers the question, “So what?” Reflect on how your experiences have shaped you and why they matter to the scholarship committee. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives on your essay.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements and unsupported claims. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
• Steer clear of passive voice where an active subject exists.
• Do not invent facts or embellish experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Refrain from using overly complex language or jargon that may obscure your message.