Crafting Your Essay for the Boyd & Evelyn Mullen Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, consider the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history and experiences that have shaped your interest in health sciences. Consider any family influences, personal health challenges, or community needs that have inspired you.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your dedication and capability in health sciences. Quantify your achievements where possible, such as GPA, volunteer hours, or relevant projects.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your education or experience and explain how this scholarship will help bridge those gaps. Be honest about what you need to further your studies.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your values, interests, and motivations. This is your chance to connect with the committee on a human level.

Structuring Your Outline

Once you have gathered material from the four buckets, create an outline that organizes your thoughts logically. Aim for a clear introduction, body, and conclusion:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or experience that captures your journey into health sciences. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each section transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a coherent narrative.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your future goals. Emphasize how the scholarship will enable you to make a positive impact in health sciences.

Drafting with Purpose

As you draft your essay, focus on clarity and specificity. Use active voice and concrete examples. Each paragraph should convey one main idea, supported by evidence from your experiences. Remember to reflect on what you learned from each experience and why it is significant to your future in health sciences.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does it reflect your journey and aspirations? Are you connecting with the reader? This reflective process will strengthen your essay.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following common pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate, show it through specific examples.
• Do not rely on passive voice. Use active voice to demonstrate your agency in your experiences.
• Ensure all details are accurate and verifiable. Fabricating facts or experiences can undermine your credibility.