How to Write an Essay for the Altrusa International Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four distinct categories to develop a well-rounded narrative:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including significant experiences that have shaped your educational and career goals. Consider cultural, familial, or community influences.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify your achievements where possible—include metrics, roles, and specific outcomes to demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify any gaps in your education or skills that this scholarship will help you address. Explain why further study is essential for your growth and future contributions.
• Personality: Infuse your narrative with personal anecdotes that showcase your values, interests, and unique qualities. This humanizing detail can create a connection with the committee.

Creating a Structured Outline

Draft an outline that logically organizes your ideas. Each section should focus on one main idea, progressing smoothly from background to achievements, then to the gap and personality:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss formative experiences that led you to apply.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments relevant to your goals.
4. The Gap: Explain what you hope to gain from this scholarship.
5. Personality: Share personal stories that reflect your character and values.
6. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to making a positive impact with the education this scholarship will provide.

Drafting with Clarity and Purpose

When writing your essay, use an active voice and be specific. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are passionate about your field, illustrate this with concrete examples. Ensure that each paragraph transitions logically to the next, maintaining a clear narrative flow.

Revision and “So What?” Reflection

After drafting your essay, take a step back and revise with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What does this reveal about you? How does it connect to the scholarship's goals? Make sure your essay answers these questions and effectively communicates your intentions.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes during the writing process:

• Using clichés or generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Neglecting to provide specific examples that substantiate your claims.
• Failing to connect your experiences to the scholarship's objectives.
• Overlooking the importance of a clear structure and logical progression in your essay.