How to Craft Your Essay for the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your values and goals. Consider significant moments that influenced your path.
• Achievements: Identify your most impactful accomplishments. Quantify them where possible—think about leadership roles, community service, or academic successes. What responsibilities did you hold, and what were the outcomes?
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you still need to achieve your goals. Articulate why this scholarship is essential for your educational journey and how it will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your character. What are your core values? What unique perspectives do you bring to your field of study or community?

Structuring Your Essay

Organize your essay logically. Start with a compelling introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or anecdote. Each paragraph should focus on one idea, transitioning smoothly to the next. Consider using the STAR method to structure your achievements: describe the Situation, the Task at hand, the Actions you took, and the Results that followed.

Drafting Voice and Tone

As you draft, maintain an active voice. This approach not only makes your writing more engaging but also clearly highlights your role in your achievements. Avoid clichés and vague expressions of passion. Instead, be specific about your experiences and the insights you gained from them. Reflect on what these experiences taught you and how they prepared you for future challenges.

Revision and “So What?”

Once you have a draft, revisit each section and ask yourself, “So what?” What impact did your experiences have on your development? Ensure that each paragraph answers this question and contributes to a coherent narrative. Look for areas where you can add detail, clarify your points, or enhance your reflections.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not invent facts or embellish experiences; authenticity is key.
• Steer clear of bureaucratic language; keep your writing personal and direct.
• Ensure that each paragraph serves a clear purpose and contributes to your overall message.